tour skating sweden

• Swedens Top 10 Spots To...

Sweden's Top 10 Spots to Go Nordic Skating

Nordic skating, also known as tour skating, wild skating and long-distance skating (and in Swedish långfärdsskridskor ), was born in Sweden. It is essentially long-distance skating on frozen lakes and rivers, using skates with blades longer than traditional ice skates. Nordic skating blades are about 50 cm (20 inches) long and are attached with bindings to special boots that are similar to cross country boots, usually at the front. Here, we take a look at the top 10 spots in Sweden to enjoy Nordic skating.

This is a sport in which it’s important to remember some basic safety rules. You’ll often be going long distances in remote areas, so always bring a partner and let people know where your route will be taking you. People have been known to get stuck on broken-off pieces of ice, particularly during late winter and early spring, and you don’t want to be floating on a piece of ice alone in the wilderness. You need to bear in mind that this is a ‘skate at your own risk’ activity.

Unsurprisingly, the skating season starts in the north, where the cold hits first. Bohuslän, up on the far northwest, has ideal conditions. There are hundreds of lakes of all sizes, both saltwater and fresh, in the wild region, with the larger lakes Vänern (Sweden’s largest lake) and Vättern considered two of the finest skating spots.

This lake runs through parts of Stockholm and is the third-largest freshwater lake in Sweden. Spanning 120 kilometres (75 miles) from east to west, it’s ideal for city-dwellers who want to get out into nature during the winter. When it freezes it looks like a mirror, and often, if there’s snow on top of it, paths will be swept open for skaters. Be warned, though: ice cutters come through to make way for boats, and some sections don’t always freeze, so check safety conditions before you set out.

This lake in Dalarna is found northeast of the village of Dola-Floda. It’s one of a number of excellent spots for Nordic skating in the Dalarna region, and the route runs along the western shore towards Leksand, with glorious forests dotting the shoreline, as well as the ubiquitous red summer cottages so beloved by Swedes.

Another Dalarna gem, Öje is a small village about 17 kilometres (11 miles) north of Malung. The lake of the same name is often described as, ‘the lake with as many islands as there are days of the year’. Prepared tracks dot the lake, with several rest stops offering outside toilets and wood barbecues, perfect if you’re making a day of it.

The Nordic skating season in Dalarna is long, and the locals are passionate practitioners, hence the third Dalarna entry on our list. Lake Runn, which joins the towns of Falun and Borlänge, offers some of Sweden’s finest Nordic skating experiences, with more than 60 kilometres (37 miles) of open ice, 50 kilometres (31 miles) of prepared track and over 80 islands to explore.

This open-air recreational area just an hour north of Stockholm is a fantastic place to visit year-round, with lakes, forests and steep wooded hilltops. In winter, tracks are ploughed on Trehörningen Lake, and this might be one area where you don’t need to worry about getting lost or being alone: it’s a very popular spot to practice your Nordic skating technique, skates are available for rental and courses are available for beginners.

It’s said that long-distance skating is the easiest way to get around this area, with perfect conditions and long, wide open spaces that seem to go on forever. With 63.5 square kilometres (26 square miles) of clean, clear open water, Svegssjön Lake in Jämtland province offers some of the best Nordic skating conditions in the country, with open spaces as well as bridges to skate under and woods to stop in. The local village, Sveg, is charming and worth exploring once you’ve had enough exercise.

This lake in Järfalla can freeze over as early as October, and the local skating club is a great place to pick up some tips, as well as offering a beginner’s course in long-distance skating. The 11-kilometre (7-mile) track between Bruks Nature Area and Ängsjö is ideal for shorter journeys, and the world’s longest ploughed track is also found here.

Kristinehamn

One of the most exciting – and dangerous – places to skate, Kiristinehamn offers lakes of varying sizes and depths, which means they all freeze at different periods and for unknown lengths of time. You can more or less count on usable ice between December and March, but it’s best to check locally, as it really can’t be predicted, and the largest lakes are, well, large, meaning you could get way out and suddenly find yourself on thin ice.

Bergslagskanalen

Tracks on Bergslagskanalen are prepared from January through March, so it’s a fairly short season. The canal extends from Filipstad in the north to Karlskoga in the south, and when the winters are cold and dry, skating conditions on the canal are ideal. The paths are prepared in order to boost safety, although it can’t be repeated too often that you should never go out alone. The surrounding area has a number of villages and towns where you can grab a meal or drink once you’re done.

There are those who distrust saltwater ice, seeing it as soft, mushy and unreliable. The Baltic, though, has one third of the salt content of ocean water, meaning it freezes fast and hard, and there is no tide to break up the ice. The result is excellent conditions for skating, and you can skate a lot further out into the sea than you’d think. A great place to try it out is the Stockholm archipelago , and guides are available. Use this map to find Sweden’s top ten places to Nordic skate, and remember: safety first!

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Top 8 winter activities in Sweden

Ice skating in sweden.

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 skating spots in Sweden, from north to south.

• Ice skating in Swedish nature cannot be compared with skating in an indoor skate rink. For Nordic skating or tour skating, the distances are usually longer and skates with longer blades are used. Hence long-distance skating ('långfärdsskridskor').
• Keep it safe and follow local safety regulations.
• Never skate alone. Skate with a local guide who knows the spots like the back of his hand.
• Do you skate on a prepared track? Don't go off the track. If you hear or see the ice cracking or moving, return immediately.
• In terms of equipment, Swedish skaters always carry a large waterproof backpack, mostly filled with air – and dry clothes. It also contains a rope and some fika to enjoy while getting a rest. Ice picks and a stick are also essential. More information can be found on this site: issakerhet.se .

Winter, the High Coast

Enjoy winter activities such as hiking, ice skating and skiing in the High Coast.

Photo : Leif Wikberg / HK Dest

Long-distance skating in Åre

Photo : Niclas Vestefjell/imagebank.sweden.se

House at Tavelsjön lake, Umeå

Photo : Heidi Vandenbussche

Swedish Lapland

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 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.

Västerbotten

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.

Jämtland Härjedalen

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.

The High Coast

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 Ösjön, Dalarna

Long-distance skating on Sweden's frozen lakes is a popular winter activity.

Photo : Anna Holm/Visit Dalarna

Ice skating, Dalarna

Photo : Anna Holm/ Visit Dalarna

Long-distance skating, Värmland

Photo : Jocke Lagercrantz/ Visit Värmland

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 like 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.

Västmanland

Västerås: Close to the town of Västerås you can ice skate at Björnön in Lake Mälaren. At Aktivt Uteliv in Björnögården (where the famous waffle bar is located), 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 .

Ice skating in Fjällnora, Uppsala

Experience long-distance skating in Uppsala.

Photo : Gustav Dalesjö/ Destination Uppsala

Ice skating in central Stockholm

Photo : Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se

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 here usually starts at the end of January. 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 Båvenen Marvikarna.

Related articles

Alpine skiing in sweden – from powder paradises to family-friendly resorts, cross-country skiing in sweden, magical winter swimming in sweden’s cold bath houses.

Information about current ice skating conditions

Photos and movies are posted ongoing on Wilderness Lodge's Facebook site. For direct and fast ice skating and skiing information, the recommendation is to follow the face book site below.

Next guided tour with vacancies

Next guided tour with vacancies is advised on the Facebook page bellow. Extra tours with short notice are sometimes only advised on the Facebook page below (and not in the booking calendar).

Vacancies on the ice-skating tours >>  

Ask questions about the ice-skating tour >>

Read about the wolf tracking tour >>

Read about rent of ice skates >>

Read about rent of snowshoes >>

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Swedish Adventures

Nordic Skating - Beginners or Skilled Skaters

Scandinavia offers fantastic possibilities for skating on natural ice. From the middle of November up to March we are ready to guide you on magic ice in surroundings, where the only sounds you can hear are from nature itself. Nordic Skating is practised by us on free and open ice – not in tracks or other man made iceways. The skating season starts in the mountain region in the middle of Sweden, where we find the first black ice. Our base areas are from the big lakes Vättern and Vänern, with fresh water ice, to Bohuslän in the west, with salt water conditions.

We welcome beginners as well as capable skaters. All our tours include full skating equipment, snacks and lunch. Watch our blogposts: “Three days’ skating in Finnmarken” , “Three days’ skating in Norway” and “Where to go when the snow is fallen?”

Beginner friendly Nordic Ice Skating On lakes in Stockholm

• Professional guide
• Nordic skating gears from top brands (skates, boots, poles and picks, backpakc, helmet and protection pads)
• Swedish "fika" (hot drink with snack)
• Transport from the meeting point to/from the frozen lakes by minibus
• Your own winter clothes
• Tideliusgatan 62, 118 69 Stockholm, Sweden We start the trip from our 'Urban Basecamp' on Södermalm.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Remember that the weather conditions are out of our control, and there is no ice guarantee. If the ice conditions are not safe a cross country skiing tour will be carried out instead, alternatively a winter hike. However last winter season (January – March 2023) we haven't had one single excursion on which we weren't able to skate :)
• Dress for winter activity. Hat/beenie, gloves, 1 pair of socks are a must have! Think layers of clothes instead of very thick and warm ones. Downhill skiing pants and jackets are ok, thick running tights with wool long johns underneath. Avoid anything made of cotton (tee shirt and jeans).
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Beginner friendly Nordic Ice Skating On lakes in Stockholm provided by The Green Trails

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These Swedish Lakes Turn Into a Winter Wonderland Where You Can Skate Past Castles, Cabins, and Pine Trees

In winter, the lakes of central Sweden become a skater’s paradise.

Pierre Mangez/Courtesy of Green Trails

The ice beneath my feet was crystal clear, a window into the depths of Lake Mälaren, about 30 miles west of Stockholm . To my untrained eye, the frozen surface looked like a thin pane of glass, on the verge of cracking under the razor-sharp blades of my ice skates . But one of my guides, Titouan Ayroulet, a lean Frenchman in a bright blue jacket, estimated it was about 2¾ inches deep — thin enough to see through, but strong enough to hold us securely. “It’s super-safe,” he had said earlier, jumping up and down to make his point.

Reassured, I put one skate in front of the other, and soon I was soaring past a 16th-century red-brick castle. The only sound I heard was the whistling of my blades as they glided across the glossy surface. 

Wild ice skating is at once thrilling and serene, and central Sweden is one of the best places in the world to do it. Hundreds of lakes are scattered across the region, and from December through March, they freeze into natural ice rinks. 

However, danger can lurk beneath the surface, as I learned at the Stockholm office of Green Trails , a conservation-minded outfitter that leads Nordic skating trips for all skill levels. On a cold February morning, I joined an athletic bunch of 13 from the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany, ranging in age from their 20s to 50s. Together, we watched an orientation video: Carry ice picks. A backpack doubles as a flotation device. If you fall in, don’t panic. 

Afterward, we piled into two black vans and drove 45 minutes southwest to​ Yngern, a skinny, horseshoe-shaped lake known for its clean water and abundant wildlife. On the ride over, a second guide, Jarda Zaoral, explained why the Stockholm area is a skater’s paradise . Daytime temperatures hover around freezing, which, counterintuitively, is ideal — any accumulated snow melts and refreezes when temperatures drop at night. The region gets little snow, which leaves the ice clear and smooth. 

Under a cloudless sky, we pulled up to Hökmossbadet, a small beach in the town of Nykvarn. We walked to the end of the dock and snapped on our blades. Veteran skaters in the group gleefully took off. While I grew up skating in Vermont, I had never tried it on natural ice, so my first few steps were wobbly. Hoping speed would help, I picked up the pace and landed on my face. Luckily, thanks to my helmet and kneepads, I was unbruised. I tightened my laces and tried again. It took a few minutes, but I settled into a meditative step-glide, step-glide rhythm. For the next hour, the group cruised through a narrow channel, its snow-dusted shores lined with Scotch pines, silver birches, and the occasional wooden cabin. 

A little past noon, we found a mossy spot on a northern shore and fortified ourselves with sporkfuls of lentil-tomato soup from thermoses our guides had prepared. Turns out, the ice we had been skating on was thick, maybe six inches. “Boring,” Ayroulet joked. After a cup of tea and a fresh pair of socks, I joined the more experienced skaters for the second part of the day. We formed a single file behind Zaoral and headed toward the southern shore. The ice became thinner. My skates felt lighter and faster as we zipped across the surface. The pine trees became a blur, casting long shadows in the honey-colored winter sun. The sound changed, too. Instead of a loud scrape, the metal blades glided across the ice with an echoing ping that reminded me, oddly, of a Star Wars blaster gun. 

Over three hours, we traced the shoreline of the curved lake, then looped back, hugging the opposite shore. We returned to the beach as the sun set around 4 p.m. and drove a half-hour northwest to Mariefred, a picturesque village on Lake Mälaren. After checking in to a 17th-century lakefront inn called Gripsholms Värdshus, the group gathered around a fireplace and ate rich beef stew and Toast Skagen — shrimp salad served atop brioche. We were exhausted but exhilarated, having skated 20 miles that day.

The next morning, we set out directly from the hotel’s front door. This section of Lake Mälaren, the third-largest body of water in Sweden, had just frozen over, and the entire surface was black ice — clear of snow, smooth and fast underfoot. Ayroulet told us to follow him to avoid falling through any weak points. Over the next five hours, we skated two long loops around the inlet, stopping briefly on a little hill for a lunch of grillkorv, a Swedish pork sausage, that we cooked on sticks over a campfire.

As the sun started to dip, a squall blew in, dusting the ice with a layer of snow. Instead of a direct line, we charted a snaking path to the waterfront. I leaned forward against the hard wind, the flakes stinging my cheeks, and relished every stride.  

Two-day Nordic skating expeditions with Green Trails from $484, all-inclusive.

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2024 issue of  Travel + Leisure under the headline "Ice Dreams."

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Ice Skating on Natural Ice (Sweden)

Carve your own tracks through a magical frozen world on an ice skating adventure on natural lakes.

• From £ /person
• Jan-Mar, 4 days/3 nights
• Adults (min age 16), Groups, Solo

Highlights:

• Skate on frozen lakes or archipelago waters
• Standard or Experienced level groups
• Normal or Upgraded accommodation
• Ice skating equipment provided
• Weekend tours Thursday-Sunday
• Private group tours possible

Winter Holidays > Ice Skating > Ice Skating on Natural Ice BOOK NOW FOR WINTER 2025!

Description », a truly magical winter experience.

Winter 2025: We strongly recommend booking immediately if you wish to travel for next winter. Tour dates for this experience are usually fully booked well in advance.

Skating on clear ice across a frozen lake is a unique way to enjoy the beauty of a Swedish winter. In the wintertime, Sweden's extensive network of lakes and archipelago waters make up a labyrinth of ice just waiting to be explored.

Ice Skating on Natural Ice is a 4-day trip-skating adventure under the expert guidance of local skating guides, who know the area intimately and will ensure that you find the locations with the best possible ice conditions for your tour.

Natural ice skating offers a unique way to travel through the winter landscape. Photo: J. Savelid.

Ice skating is an ideal way to experience the majesty and tranquility of the Swedish winter landscape. The sensation of gliding over clear lake ice is as wonderful as it sounds.

Flexible skating locations ensure access to the best ice conditions

Ice conditions change regularly - your guide will know where the ice is best on a particular day. From your base at local hostel accommodation, you will head out each day to the most suitable area for your trip skating tour.

Depending on the location of the best ice, you may be exploring networks of frozen lakes or even skating on the frozen archipelago waters of the Baltic sea!

Walking on water! Photo: J. Savelid.

Choose Standard or Experienced tours depending on your ability

At minimum some previous skating experience is required*, but if you have never skated on long-distance skates before, don't worry - you may be surprised how quickly you can learn to trip-skate calmly and safely.

As with most outdoor activities, especially if you are a less experienced skater, you should expect to fall over and get a few bumps and bruises on the way as you develop your technique and confidence. Please see under "What's included" for details of protective equipment that is provided as standard or available to borrow on request.

Both "Standard" and "Experienced" tour dates are offered. "Standard" tours are suitable for those with limited skating ability, but participants must have some previous experience of rink skating or roller blading, etc, and be able to stand up/move on skates without support. "Experienced" tours are suitable for those with more extensive skating experience who are comfortable with travelling longer distances.

A campfire on the shore provides the ideal opportunity to recharge between skating sessions. Photo: Julian Aldridge.

The speed and distance covered will be adapted as far as possible to the needs and wishes of the participants - you should find that it is relatively straightforward to cover distances of 25km a day or more. At the end of the day, you can soothe tired muscles with a sauna and reflect on your day's skating adventures. There may even be the chance for a moonlight skating tour beneath the stars!

Your guide will be skating ahead of you at all times, keeping close watch to ensure the ice conditions are suitable. Skates, shoes, pack and full safety equipment are included as standard.

Trip skating gives you a very special perspective on a Swedish winter - see you soon out on the ice!

Getting Involved

Accommodation is hostel standard with self-catering facilities. All meals are included in the price, but the group will prepare meals together and everyone assists with cooking, washing up, etc. Depending on practical arrangements, the group may visit a supermarket together during the trip to choose provisions.

Trip Skating

Trip skating goes by many different names: tour skating, long distance ice skating, Nordic skating or wild skating. Popular throughout the Nordic countries, trip skating is particularly popular in Sweden, where the thousands of lakes create an ideal skating environment. More recently, it has been combined with kiting to create a new hybrid sport known as kite skating or kite blading.

The skates used for tour skating are rather different from standard skates, with longer blades around 50cm in length. Tour skates consist of a circa 50cm long blade, attached with binding to special skating boots similar to those used for cross-country skiing.

Read More  ...

Itinerary »

There will be a pick-up from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) airport at 10.30* (meeting point is in Terminal 3). Guests staying in Stockholm before the tour should travel to Rotebro station for pick-up from there at 10.00.

*Please be at the meeting point by 10.30 or as soon as possible after this. If you are planning to travel with SAS or British Airways flights from Heathrow, which arrive at Arlanda at 10.10/10.40, this will also be possible. Please make your way to the meeting point as soon as possible when your flight lands. Please note that it is not possible to plan for flight arrival later than 10.40 except by special prior arrangement. Guests arriving later will normally be requested to travel by public transport to a suitable pick-up point to meet the group, which will depend on the location of the weekend's skating.

It is also possible to fly to Stockholm Skavsta (NYO) airport, but in this case it is necessary to overnight at the airport both before and after the tour. Pick-up from Stockholm Skavsta will be at 08.30.

Skating on this day is not a standard part of the tour, but where possible and local conditions are suitable, the group will have the opportunity for some skating close to the airport before transfer to the overnight accommodation base for the main tour in the afternoon.

When ready, you will travel to a nearby lake (normally at Sigtuna approx. 20 minutes from Arlanda airport) and take to the ice for around 3-4 hours' skating with stop for light lunch. The guide will bring simple snack of cheese sandwich, tea and coffee.

You will typically end your skating back at the transport vehicle around 16.00 and then drive to your accommodation. This is typically around 1-2.5 hours' drive depending on the location of the best ice conditions for your tour.

With your travel as well as some hours of skating, today will normally be a long day. The group will probably shop together for provisions at a supermarket (which allows any dietary requirements to be more easily accommodated) and will need to prepare dinner together in the evening, so it can be a late dinner this night. If it is getting very late and does not seem appropriate to cook together this night, inexpensive dinner (such as pizza) at a local restaurant will be included. If other restaurant options are chosen, guests will pay the additional costs of dinner above 100 SEK/person individually.

The location of the best ice skating conditions and therefore the location of accommodation during the tours will vary throughout the winter season - your guide knows the area intimately and will ensure that you are skating in a region with the best ice conditions at the time of your visit. You will check in at your accommodation and (if this has not taken place earlier in the day or if there has not been an opportunity for skating) have a safety and instruction briefing with your guide and be given your equipment for the tour. You can then relax to prepare and enjoy your first evening dinner together.

Following Days

During breakfast you will prepare lunch packages for your days out on the ice. Based on the latest weather and ice forecast information, you will head out to the best possible skating area for the day. Once at the lake, you will begin by examining the ice before readying your equipment. You will skate in a line, led by your guide, who will be checking the ice and ensure that you avoid any potential weak spots. The speed and distance covered during the day will be tailored to the level of the group and ice conditions.

Skating on natural ice is a unique experience, and you will have regular opportunities to take breaks to admire the beauty of the winter landscape, chat about your technique or just relax and soak up the atmosphere. At the end of your day's skating, you will return to the minibus for transfer back to your accommodation.

A sauna before dinner is a wonderful way to soothe tired muscles and the perfect environment in which to reflect on the day's adventures with your fellow skaters. If conditions allow, there may even be the chance for a moonlight skating trip later in the evening!

After breakfast you will head out for another day on the ice, skating as long as possible depending on scheduled departure times for the participants. On your way back to the airport, you will have time to stop for a shower and change of clothes and perhaps something to eat, before your guide transfers you to the airport for departure.

Transfers will meet flights departing Stockholm Arlanda airport earliest 18.00 or later (you will be at the airport earliest 16.30, or possibly later if travel arrangements for all guests in the group allow). Guests wishing to depart from Stockholm Skavsta will normally need to plan to overnight at Skavsta airport - transfer will reach Skavsta around earliest 18.30.

Dates & Prices »

Public tours (thursday-sunday):.

Each of the tour dates below will have three groups:

• Group 1: Standard Skating/Normal Accommodation
• Group 2: Experienced Skating/Normal Accommodation
• Group 3: Experienced Skating/Upgraded Accommodation

Please specify your preferred group on booking.

• January: 23.01-26.01.25, 30.01-02.02.25
• February: 06.02-09.02.25, 13.02-16.02.25, 20.02-23.02.25, 27.02-02.03.25

Private tours:

• Start/end times and pick-up/drop-off location are by arrangement.
• For groups of 2-8 persons, private tours on other dates (normally between just before Christmas and late March depending on ice conditions) are possible by arrangement (standard prices based on 8 persons, smaller groups possible for supplement). Private tours can also be of shorter or longer duration. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Prices 2025

Prices are in British Pounds and Euros. If you wish, you are also welcome to make your payment in Swedish Kronor (SEK) - please contact us for details.

* Single supplement: Required for solo travellers. We are not able to offer the option for guests not travelling together to share. In some cases, guests travelling as group of 3 persons may be able to share room if wished - please contact to us discuss your requirements.

^ Bed linen and towels: Guests are requested to bring own sleeping bag liner/sleeping sheet and towel for use at the overnight accommodation. However, these can also be hired as optional extra if required.

For private tours, please contact us to discuss your requirements. Per person price will vary depending on group size.

What's Included »

NB: Exact accommodation used depends on the location of the best ice skating conditions at the time of your tour and therefore cannot be known in advance.

Normal Accommodation Tours Only:

• Accommodation: Shared 2-person rooms in hostel standard accommodation. Solo travellers must choose Single Supplement. Please bring own sleeping bag liner/sleeping sheet, pillow case and towel (these items are also available to hire as optional extras if required). Please note that end cleaning is not included. Where possible, accommodation with sauna facilities will be chosen, though note that this cannot always be guaranteed.
• Meals: All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4 (simple snack lunch on Day 1 is also provided). Breakfast and dinner are prepared together as a group at the accommodation - everyone assists with food preparation, washing up, etc. Packed lunch when skating. Please let us know in advance if you have any particular dietary requirements.

Upgraded Accommodation Tours Only:

• Accommodation: Shared 2-person rooms in hotel standard accommodation with en-suite facilities (e.g. Scandic). Solo travellers must choose Single Supplement.
• Meals: All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4 (simple snack lunch on Day 1 is also provided). Breakfast at the hotel, packed lunch when skating, two-course dinner served at hotel or in local restaurant. Please let us know in advance if you have any particular dietary requirements.

Normal and Upgraded Accommodation Tours:

• Trip skates and skating boots (please advise shoe sizes in advance). Brands used are normally Zandstra and Alpina.
• Daypack (including thermos, water bottle and lunch box)
• Safety equipment

Trip skates (shows skating blades in use and detached from the boots). Photos: NG

Protective equipment:

Please specify on booking if you wish to borrow any of the protective equipment below if not provided as standard for your tour.

• Knee protectors: Provided for all participants and should be worn.
• Elbow protectors: Provided for all participants on Standard level tours. For Experienced level tours, four sets will be available for the group; additional sets can be made available if requested in advance.
• Wrist protectors: Four sets will be available for the group on all tours; additional sets can be made available if requested in advance.
• Helmets: Not provided unless requested in advance (please provide helmet size). Helmets are not commonly worn when skating, as the backpack will normally provide protection if falling backwards, but you are of course welcome to use a helmet and/or pads during the tour if you wish. You are of course welcome to bring your own helmet if you wish (any type of helmet such a cycle or ski helmets would be suitable).

Experienced and knowledgeable local guide.

• Local minibus transfers to/from Stockholm Arlanda or Stockholm Skavsta airport and the accommodation for the tour.
• Local minibus transfers between accommodation and daily skating areas.

Not Included

• Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
• Alcoholic drinks.
• Bed linen and towels (guests are normally requested to bring own, but also available as optional extra).
• End cleaning of hostel accommodation (if you do not wish to do end cleaning of your room yourself, this can normally be arranged on site, price typically 150-200 SEK, about £15-£20, per room).

Good To Know »

Health requirements/experience:.

You should have a general good level of health and fitness, be able to swim and enjoy the outdoors.

For "Standard" tours, some previous skating experience (e.g. rink skating or rollerblades) is required and you must be able to stand up/move on skates without needing to hold onto something for support.

NB: The technique of tour skating and the type of skates used are quite different from rink skating. Participants with previous rollerblading experience may find the transition to tour skating easier than those with experience of rink skating only.

For "Experienced" tours, you should have more extensive skating experience and be comfortable travelling longer distances.

For private groups, the tour can be adapted to accommodate different requirements/abilities.

Recommended minimum age 16 for scheduled public tours. Younger children may be possible by arrangement - please contact us to discuss your requirements.

What makes this "Medium"?

The tour is offered at two different levels and daily distances can be flexible to a certain extent depending on the level of experience/fitness of participants. However, proficiency of your skating technique can significantly influence the actual level of challenge encountered during the tour.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Minimum number:

No minimum - tours are guaranteed to run from the first booking.

Normally max. 8 participants per guide. Dates with both Standard and Experienced groups will have max. 16 participants with own guide per group and the groups will have transfers/accommodation together but skate separately. To be able to offer the greatest flexibility to accommodate different levels, guests who are judged to be most suitable in a different level group may have the option to move, in which case one group may then contain more than 8 participants.

This experience is ideal as a private tour for groups of 4-8 or more persons and duration of tour is then flexible by arrangement. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

This provider has received prestigious Swedish Ecotourism certification for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Getting There »

Getting there.

See below for a summary of travel options. To learn more about how to travel to this experience, please get in touch!

Detailed information on travel will be provided in response to your enquiry. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.

NB: Please ensure that you make a booking with us first and wait for confirmation that your spaces are reserved before making any travel arrangements.

Travel Summary:

Fly to Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) airport, where you will be met for transfer to the skating area. It is also possible to fly to Stockholm Skavsta (NYO).

Without Flying:

Ferry Dover-Dunkirk or Newcastle-Amsterdam for onward train connections to Nyköping, from where transfer can also be arranged.

Recommended by Lonely Planet Traveller and Newsweek as one of the world's "Ultimate Winter Experiences".

Photos & Reviews

"I absolutely loved it! Not only was the nature stunning and the ice absolutely fantastic, the guides were very knowledgeable, kind and took care of a good group atmosphere. What I liked most is that they were calm and explained about the ice quality, not only when it was bad and we needed to go somewhere else, but also when it was good. This gave us all confidence and insight, which contributed to the trip. Next to this they seemed to enjoy themselves, which definitely contributed to the positive vibe! The equipment was good. And the journey had to my taste the exact right balance between pre-arranged and spontaneity. I would definitely go again. I was sorry this trip was only so short. This trip really stole my heart! I have recommended it to every cat and dog in the street!" Sara, March 2024

"It was absolutely magical. I could not fault anything about this trip. I had the time of my life, the whole group moulding together, and everybody played a part. The different lakes that we skated on and the last day on the Baltic sea were absolutely amazing. We had fantastic guides - they were absolutely amazing caring, making sure we were all safe, and it was the experience of a lifetime. I would definitely do it again." Doron, February 2024

"This is my 4th trip and it's always great to be out in the fresh air and skating. Our guide was really calm, kind and considerate. Pre-departure process works like clockwork. There was another couple on the trip also singing your praises." Jacky, February 2024

Further Reading

• Read a trip report from Sofia.

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A DAY ON THE ICE – GUIDED TOUR

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 8 hours
• User Ages: 18 years old and above (open tour) , All ages (private tour)
• Check Bubble Sustainability: Freshly prepared outdoor sandwich , Leave no trace mentality and respect for the nature , Re-usable Thermos and water bottle during the tour , Use of local Swedish brands and businesses

Guided Ice Skating on Natural Ice!

For those of you who are confident skaters and have previous experience ice skating either on natural ice, ovals, rinks, inline skating or cross country skiing skating-style, this is the perfect winter day tour for you! It’s such a thrilling sensation gliding over the ice, and the natural ice here in and around Stockholm is some of the best in the world! This day tour is a truly unique and unforgettable experience!

If you’re not experienced or need a refresher, take a look at our ‘Introduction to Ice Skating Tour ‘. If in doubt, please contact us at [email protected]

• Chevron down The Tour

We start early (08:00) so as to make the most of the daylight hours. Your experienced guide briefs you on the tour and safety equipment before taking you to the day’s best ice in Stockholm’s outstandingly beautiful natural surroundings. This tour takes a higher tempo and focuses on ice skating a good distance. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, your group could cover up to 70 km during the day.

Your guide is happy to offer tips and coaching in order to perfect the ice skating skills you already possess so that you evolve as a Nordic skater and get a sense of achievement throughout the day.

The tour is 8 – hours long, with approx. 6 hours of skating on natural ice either in the Stockholm archipelago or on one of Stockholm’s big lakes. During the tour, you make a stop somewhere sheltered and scenic for a well-earned picnic lunch. There is a cozy open fire, our classic outdoor lunch with grilled hotdogs and hot drinks on offer. Hopefully, there’s some good banter and laughter with your new skating buddies too! Once lunch is finished, there is plenty more time to enjoy the ice with renewed energy before heading back to the city.

If one-day ice skating doesn’t sound long enough for you, take a look at our three-day Swedish Skating Adventure!

We offer open/scheduled departures and private departures.

• Chevron down Highlights
• Further your ice skating techniques.
• Experience the thrill of ice skating on natural ice.
• Ice skate either on a small lake, Lake Mälaren (the fifth-largest lake in Europe) or the Baltic Sea in Stockholm’s Archipelago.
• Spend the day surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
• Knowledgeable and experienced English-speaking guides.
• Top-quality equipment.
• Small groups; minimum 2 participants / max. 10 participants per guide.
• Delicious classic outdoor lunch and grilled sausages around a cozy open fire.
• Transportation to the ice from our location (within walking distance of Central Station) and back included.
• Free of charge photo-memories of your tour made by your guide.
• Chevron down Good to Know
• CHECK IN time is 15 minutes prior to tour departure. Arriving at departure time or afterwards will likely result in you missing your tour.
• Early start (08:00) to make the most of the daylight hours.
• This tour is designed for people who are comfortable skaters with previous ice skating experience. If you are a beginner or need a refresher, take a look at our Introduction to Ice Skating Tour . If in doubt, please contact us at [email protected]
• If the guide considers that you cannot keep up with the experience and the pace of the group you will be ask to step aside.
• We plan every ice skating tour carefully with our expert local knowledge and the most up-to-date ice reports to ensure we skate on the best natural ice for the day. This means that, depending on the weather conditions, the location of our adventure and the skating conditions may vary. We could go to a small lake, to Lake Mälaren (the fifth-largest lake in Europe) or to the Baltic Sea in Stockholm’s archipelago — we won’t know until that day. One thing we do know for sure is it’ll be a great experience!
• The safety equipment you skate with weighs approximately 8 kg.
• Guided language: English.
• Included meal: classic outdoor lunch and open fire with sausages.
• Minimum age (open tour only): 18 years old.
• No minimum age on private tours.
• Maximum weight: 130 kg.
• The transport to the starting point will either be by private minivan or by public transport depending on the size of the group and the ice/weather conditions.
• When you book, you will receive a list of suggestions on how to dress for the day.
• If we do not meet the minimum number required for the tour, we will offer you an alternative date or tour, or a full refund.
• Chevron down Private Ice Skating Day Tour

Whether you’ve never been ice skating before or you’re quite the pro at Nordicskating, why not get your own private guide so you can tour at your own pace?!

Whatever your level or your objectives, we can tailor this tour to suit your desires, wishes and ability, and your expert guide will endeavour to make it a truly unforgettable experience!

We will provide you with skates, boots, helmets, poles, seat mat, backpacks (including safety equipment), drinks, classic outdoor lunch including hot dogs over a fire and transport to/from the ice (we offer pick up and drop off at your accommodation if it is within 40km radius of downtown Stockholm).

• Chevron down What’s the distance, and how fast do we skate?

It’s always the ice, the weather conditions and the participants in the group that set the pace. The time estimates are dependant on what tour option you have chosen:

An Introduction to Ice Skating Tour: 5 – 30 km A Day on the Ice Guided Tour: 20 – 70 km Skate with Friends – Private Ice Skating Tour: 5 – 70 km / you decide Swedish Skating Adventures: 30 – 70 km (we split into smaller groups to fulfil different skating requirements)

• Chevron down Can we skate in Stockholm’s archipelago?

We offer ice skating on the best natural ice for the day. If there is great ice in the archipelago then we are absolutely skating there! Similarly, if there is great ice on some of the lakes, then that’s where we’ll be.

• Chevron down Is it safe to skate on natural ice?

Our number one priority is to make sure our tours are as safe as possible by choosing the safest and best ice for the day. To ensure this, we provide our customers with very experienced guides and all necessary safety equipment. We will make sure that all gear is put on properly and that you understand how to use it before heading out on your tour.

• Chevron down Can I use my own Nordic/tour/trip skates?

Yes, you can, as long as you are able to  take the   actual skate blade off and walk with your boots .  If in doubt, please contact us. There is no price difference if you bring your own skates. We do not allow hockey or figure skates on our open tours (if you want to use them please contact us to discuss it and we can potentially offer you a private guided tour and use your hockey or figure skates then). Below you can see the boots with rubber sole and skates with Rottefella bindings from Lundhags that we use for our tours and rentals.

• Chevron down Can I bring and use my own safety equipment?

No. To ensure our customers’ safety, we always use our own equipment. Everything is packed and ready for you when you arrive to start your tour. You can choose to use your own Nordic/tour/trip skates as long as you are able to take the actual skate off and walk with your boots. If in doubt, please contact us. There is no price difference if you bring your own skates.

• Chevron down Will you cancel a tour due to bad weather?

The tour will take place in all weathers unless the guide believes it to be unsafe. We are an outdoor company offering outdoor tours. We know that the weather is changeable and we plan accordingly. Our number one priority at all times is safety and if our guide believes it to be safe then we skate! In the unlikely event our guide believes it be unsafe to skate, then you will be offered an alternative tour or date, or a full refund.

• Chevron down I have heard that there is no ice to skate on in Stockholm. Is that true?

We receive this question even from people living in Stockholm. We are out skating nearly every day and feel very confident that we can find ice to skate on thanks to our local knowledge and an extensive network of sources we trust. Follow and “like” our Facebook page and you will see photos and videos of our latest tours.

• Chevron down What items are we required and recommended to bring with us for a day tour?

Only personal clothing for being outside in the winter. We supply the rest. (As you make the booking, you will receive a list of suggestions on how to dress for a winter activity.)

If you miss or forgot to bring something — a glove, shell pants, etc. — please contact us beforehand and we will do our best to help.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

• User 15 years old and above
• Hour Glass 6 hours

An Introduction to Ice Skating

Join us for a truly fantastic Swedish adventure, ice skating on natural ice. It’s such an exciting and unique experience gliding over natural ice surrounded by nature!

• User All ages
• Hour Glass 7 hours

Self-Guided Ice Skating

Enjoy a day on the ice without having to prepare anything. Just on the outskirts of the city is a nature lovers’ paradise!

How to get here

Our ice skating trips starts from Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Sweden's largest airport, and a juncture between Stockholm and other Swedish cities as well as the rest of the world.

If you travel by train or bus. It is easy to get to Stockholm Arlanda Airport. If you are allready in Stockholm, you can take the local train to Rotebro station and we will pick you up there.

Arrival and Departure

We will meet you at Arlanda airport Terminal 3 at 10:30. If you come from Stockholm city, take the local train to Rotebro station. We will meet you there at 10:00.

Other meeting points is possible after agreement with us, e.g. at your hotel close to Arlanda.

If you want to arrive after 10:30 you need to confirm that with us before booking your tickets.

If you get delayed. Let us know as soon as possible. Make sure you have our phone number +46 70 53 53 630 .

We drop you off at Arlanda airport 16:30 or later depending on departure time. If you stay another night we can drop you off at your hotel if the detour is resonable.

Accommodation

Hostels with two bed dormitory room. Shared shower and toilet . You need to bring sheets or duvet covers and towels. (Or you can have it included for an extre fee). We prepare the meals together in the kitchen in the hostel. All food is provided and included in the price.

Hotel with twin rooms, toilet and shower in the room.

We have dinner together at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant.

Weather conditions

Expect temperatures between 0°C and -15°C . There can be rain, snowfall and wind. Wind speeds are usually low to moderate.

Dress with several layers of clothes to be able to adapt to the actual temperature.

Bring a warm jacket, preferable a down jacket, to put on during breaks and lunch.

Included in the price

Almost all you need is included in the price. Accommodation in double room, local transports, food and needed equipment.

Not included

Alcoholic drinks. Sheets and towel (can be rented).

What to bring

We have packing list that you can download here.

For safety reasons. When skating, always bring a complete set of extra clothes packed in a waterproof bag that you put in the provided skating backpack.

A warm (down) jacket for the breaks.

Good to have but not necessary: Sunglasses, a dry bag for your mobile/camera, indoor shoes.

Clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Prepare for snow and even rain in sub zero temperatures.

We provide high quality Nordic skates, comfortable boots, skating backpack and required safety equipment, thermos, lunch box and a seat pad.

Download Naturguidens Safety information document

We like to guide small groups of maximim 8 guest and one guide. This way we can fit in one minivan. Also for safety reasons and group dynamics it´s nice to keep the group size down.

An exception to this is our Mixed groups. Where we mix Intermediate and Experienced skaters. Those groups can consist of up to 16 guests and is always led by two guides.

Nordic skating may include risks. When skating with Naturguiden you always ice skate with an experienced guide.

Your guide will have a security briefing and show how the safety equipment is used. Before entering the ice.

Provided safety equipent:

- Ice claws

- Rescue line

- Skating poles and pike

- Backpack for skating

- Knee pads

Almost everything you need is included in the price. Accommodation in a double room. Local transports. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Equipment: Nordic skates, comfortable boots, skating backpack, thermos, lunch box, seat pad.

Nordic skating

Weekend tour.

4 days, 3 nights

Price from €830 Per person, in a group of 8

A four day guided tour in Sweden filled with Nordic skating and adventure. With hundreds of lakes and the Baltic sea archipelago in reach, your local guide will find the best ice skating conditions for you every day .

Travel in January and save €34(standard) / €67(comfort) - Choose - Early season when selecting your dates.

Ice skate on lakes and the Baltic sea

Local Guide

All inclusive

Pick-up at airport

January - Mars 

Itinerary & program

The ice and weather situation decides where we will ice skate. We choose the area that provides the best ice skating conditions at the time. Accommodation is in the area and we sometimes stay at different locations to get the most out of your stay.

Your guide picks you up at the airport in a minivan. Here we change to skating clothes and you will get the ice skating equipment. If possible we go directly for Nordic skating on a nearby lake or drive to the area there we will skate the day after. After installing ourselves in a hostel (or hotel) we will cook dinner together (or eat at the restaurant) and your guide will reveal the plans for the coming days.

At breakfast we prepare our lunch packs and and fill up your thermos with a hot drink and pack them in the provided skating backpacks. After a short walk or ride in the minibus we will be on the ice! Guide first, checking the ice and navigating.

The speed and distance is adjusted to the group and the ice condition. Now and then we take short stops to admire the scenery, chat, or just rest. During the day we go ashore for lunch breaks or for walking to another lake nearby.

At the end of the day we head back to the hostel. Before dinner there is time to relax, talk about the day, or go to the sauna.

Now you know the routine - Breakfast, pack your backpack and head out for new adventures on the ice! In the evening we might go for a ice skating trip in moonlight late if the conditions are right.

We ice skate as long as we can before heading to the airport. On our way we stop for a shower and to grab something to eat. You will be well in time for your flight back home.

Make a booking

Standard or comfort.

New for this year.

Choose between standard or comfort, stay in a hostel or hotel. Standard (from € 830) We stay in a hostel and cook dinner together in the evening. Comfort (from € 1140) We stay in a hotel and have dinner together at the restaurant.

Book a Private group

In what group do i belong, these two videos shows an intermediate and an experienced group on the ice.  we think that will make it easy for you to decide the right group..

A Private group is a great option. Perfect for family and friends. And you can stay as long as you want.

Telephone: +46 70 535 3 6 30 E-mail: [email protected]

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Outdoor Ice Skating

Text & photo: Anette Andersson Story by Joel Lundhag, Albin Richardsson & Johan Richardsson

One of the best early winter experiences is heading to the nearest lake for outdoor ice skating – experiencing the smooth glide of skating along on a frozen lake in the middle of the wilderness is an adventure out of the ordinary. Ånnsjön in Jämtland Härjedalen is a popular place for locals to head to when the mercury drops below zero, and after a few days the lake is sufficiently frozen over enough to enjoy a day out. The mountains surround you 360 degrees and it feels as if you could fly from one peak to the other as you glide over the ice. The lake is shallow and early ice is often clear enough to allow you a chance to spot the fish below and skate along with them as they dart about.

Outdoor Ice Skating on Lake Ånnsjön

The late autumn sun sits low on the horizon and faintly warms us as we sit on the edge of the lake strapping on our ice skates. Taking a deep breath, we heave ourselves up and on to the ice, gingerly at first as we find our balance. Skating on natural ice just feels happier than it does on an ice rink, but it also has an element of excitement and danger. There is the ever-present risk of falling through the ice that plays on the back of the mind. For safety sake we tie ourselves together with a length of rope and head off as a group towards the Bunnerfjällen mountain range in the distant west. The morning is silent, the silence broken only from the sound of our skates grinding and rasping over the black ice. The water is clear under the newly formed ice and it’s possible to see the bottom of the lake. Some of the younger skaters in our group notice some fish under the surface and excitedly skate about looking out for them dashing around the bottom.  

One of the skaters notices open water and warns the rest of us. He starts hacking and testing the ice with his ice pick as we all slowly creep along. A great deal of attention must be paid to the ice when you are outdoor ice skating. The ice-pick cracks the ice and it sounds like a cannon, but today the ice is thick enough and poses no real threat. The lake has many small bays and eddies and the surface freezes over solidly enough to be safe. Even so, it’s worth remaining alert when skating, for any signs of open water. Common sense also says that if the ice is thin, it’s better to skate spread out, not all clumped together as a group. Finally, if the ice does start cracking, everyone should skate as fast as they can in different directions.

The small bays around the lake also mean that there are lots of tight small turns that are fun to see how fast you can skate before having to turn at a high speed. Natural obstacles, like a half-submerged pine tree becomes an obstacle to try hop over, or glide under, depending on how lithe you feel on your ice skates and soon enough we all worked up a sweat with the energy being burned. We decide to take a break and stop for some hot chocolate and grilled sausages that we brought along. After a short stop we continue staking as the sun slowly sets behind the mountain peaks of Snasahögarna.

Safety & Outdoor Ice Skating

Safety is the fundamental element for skating in the outdoors. It highlights the importance of Knowledge, Equipment and Company when heading out. The right knowledge makes you a smarter skater, knowing how thick the ice is and what the conditions are like. You also need to have the right safety equipment and most importantly, never ever go out skating alone; always have company with you.

Outdoor Ice Skating with the Family

Ånnsjön, in western Jämtland, lies between Storlien and Åre. It is a popular lake for ice skating for the local population and many locals try be the first ones out when the ice sets. The lake is situated at 525m above sea level and is relatively shallow, meaning that it freezes often as early as October and if the snows come late in the year it’s possible to skate until December. The edge of the lake is a long beach and makes for fantastic stops for a family picnic. On a calm, sunny day there are often over 100 cars in the parking lot. Furthermore, the lake is easy to access, it’s only a 5 minutes’ drive from the E14 highway.

The lake has a surface area of approximately 57sq kilometres so there is plenty of room for everyone keen on ice skating. It is important however, to keep in mind the inlets and outlets of the lake, which can be dangerous as the ice is always thinner where there are currents and caution needs to be shown when skating around them. Those who are looking for longer challenges are advised to take a tour up along Rekån towards the mountain side skating on a genuine high altitude river.

Download more info on Ånnsjön and other protected areas of Jämtland Härjedalen, Sweden

A Visitor´s guide to protected areas of Jämtland Härjedalen

HERE’S THE SKINNY

Ice skating

Late fall, winter

Skating seasons are normally short and it’s hard to predict when the ice is at its best. The lake can freeze as early as October and the period between the first ice and heavy snowfalls are the best season.

The small village of Ånn in western Jämtland, located between Storlien and Åre. Head towards the lake Ånnsjön, towards Fiskbodarna.

GETTING HERE

Go by train to Ånn and walk down to the frozen lake, or by rental car from Åre/Östersund airport or Trondheim/Vaernes airport.

Z6 Storlien-Ljungdalen

SUITABLE FOR

Ice skating is suitable for all ages and Ånn is recommended for families as there are picnic areas and benches right at the lake.

Touring skates (or regular skates for children), together with safety equipment (ice spikes, ice-picks and safety line) are requirements. Helmets, knee and elbow guards can be good to have. A backpack with a change of clothes in a waterproof bag is recommended. Backpacks also work as a good flotation device.

RENT SKATES

The Lundhags outlet shop in Järpen offers touring skates for rental, together with the prescribed safety equipment.

ACCOMMODATION

Camp Ånn (in Ånn and not far from the lake Ånnsjön) is the perfect place for skaters, especially if you like to skate for more than one day. Otherwise take a daytrip from Åre, Storlien or Östersund.

If there is any uncertainty surrounding the thickness of the ice then extreme caution should be taken. Rather err on the side of caution and don’t head out. Contact local tour skaters to be sure on the various social media forums to be extra sure.

FOLLOW SOMEONE WHO KNOWS

If you are interesting is trying tour skating, join an organised tour. Åreguiderna arranges tours. For more information check  Åreguiderna .

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Winter Adventures

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It’s the second week of February and I find myself eating my breakfast at Walles Hotel in the mountains in central Sweden in a small ski resort called Bruksvallarna – an Eldorado for cross country skiing in Sweden. The area is better known as the Nordic Ski Centre, the longest interconnected system of cross country […]

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With a width of 60 meters across and a height of 38 metres Tännforsen is by far, Sweden’s largest waterfall. Tourists have come here for over 150 years and long before that pilgrims passed on their journey to Trondheim. The melting snows and ice in spring creates the most impressive falls and results in an […]

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Guide to Your Ice Skating Adventure in Sweden

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Posted Mar 20, 2024 in Travel Information

Ice skating in Sweden is not just a sport; it's a cherished winter tradition that combines the joy of gliding on ice with the breathtaking beauty of the Swedish landscape .

Imagine gliding across a frozen lake under a star-studded sky, the crisp air invigorating your senses as you soak in the breathtaking winter scenery. This is the magic of ice skating in Sweden , a unique experience that transcends mere recreation and becomes a cultural immersion into the heart of a winter wonderland.

Whether you're a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, Sweden offers a variety of ice skating experiences that cater to all ages and skill levels.

The Enchantment of Ice Skating in Sweden

Sweden transforms into a winter wonderland each year, and with this transformation comes the unparalleled joy of ice skating. From the natural ice of frozen Swedish lakes to well-maintained outdoor rinks, the country offers diverse skating experiences that highlight its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Beyond the Rink: Different Ice Skating Options in Sweden

Ice skating in Sweden can be enjoyed in various settings:

• Natural Ice : Skating on Sweden's frozen lakes, such as Lake Mälaren or Lake Vättern, offers a unique and exhilarating experience. The vast open spaces and natural surroundings provide a serene backdrop for skating adventures.
• Prepared Rinks : For those who prefer a more controlled environment, Sweden boasts numerous outdoor and indoor rinks that are regularly maintained, providing a safe and smooth skating surface.
• Guided Tours : For the adventurous, guided ice skating tours are available, especially in the Stockholm archipelago, offering a chance to explore remote areas under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Choosing the best option depends on your skill level , desired experience, and personal preferences. Whether you're seeking a thrilling adventure on a frozen lake or a leisurely skate with friends in a charming city rink, Sweden has something to offer everyone.

Cultural Tapestry of Swedish Ice Skating

The tradition of ice skating in Sweden is deeply rooted in the local lifestyle, providing a festive atmosphere that brings communities together during the colder months.

Ice skating is more than just a pastime in Sweden ; it's a part of the cultural fabric that showcases the country's love for winter sports and outdoor activities.

Historical records and paintings depict Swedes enjoying ice skating for centuries, reflecting its significance in Swedish society. Today, this tradition continues with events and festivals that celebrate the joy of skating, bringing together locals and tourists alike.

• A historical anecdote: During the Viking Age, ice skating was even used for military maneuvers, showcasing the Swedes' adaptability and resourcefulness in their harsh winter environment.
• Local Customs: Witnessing locals enjoying " fika " (coffee break) in cozy cafés near the rinks is a quintessential Swedish experience. Embrace the warm hospitality and share stories with friendly locals who are always happy to share their love for this winter tradition.
• Unique Events: Throughout winter, Sweden hosts numerous ice skating festivals and competitions, providing vibrant celebrations of this beloved sport. Witnessing these events offers a glimpse into the passion and dedication of Swedish skaters.

Popular Ice Skating Locations in Sweden

Sweden boasts a plethora of captivating locations for your ice skating adventure. Here are a few popular destinations to consider:

Stockholm: Skating Through the Heart of Sweden

The capital city offers numerous ice skating options, from the well-known Kungsträdgården rink to natural ice areas around the city. Stockholm becomes a hub for ice skating enthusiasts , offering picturesque settings and convenient facilities for a memorable skating experience.

• Kungsträdgården : Enjoy an iconic skating experience in the heart of the city, surrounded by historical landmarks and bustling cafes.
• Lake Mälaren: Embark on a guided tour across this vast frozen lake, witnessing breathtaking winter scenery and experiencing the thrill of long-distance skating.
• The Stockholm Archipelago : Explore a network of charming islands accessible by ferry, offering unique ice skating experiences amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Beyond the City: Venturing into Sweden's Winter Wonderland

Exploring outside of Stockholm, destinations like Lake Runn near Falun and the natural ice of Lake Siljan provide expansive areas for ice skating. These locations offer a peaceful escape into nature , where skaters can enjoy the tranquility of Sweden's winter landscape.

• Lake Runn: Located near Falun and Borlänge, this popular destination boasts 50km of prepared tracks, ideal for long-distance skating and enjoying picturesque scenery.
• Glafsfjorden: Located in western Sweden, this lake provides a peaceful escape with stunning natural beauty. Explore the frozen fjord with a guide, or enjoy a leisurely skate amidst the serene winter landscape.

Planning Your Ice Skating Adventure in Sweden

When planning your trip, consider the following:

• Best Time to Visit : The ice skating season typically runs from December to March, but this can vary depending on weather conditions.  The ideal time for ice skating in Sweden is typically from January to March , when the temperatures are consistently below freezing and the ice conditions are optimal. However, weather conditions can vary, so researching specific forecasts and ice safety information before your trip is crucial.
• Accommodations : From cozy cabins by the lake to city hotels near rinks, Sweden offers a range of lodging options to suit every preference.
• Travel Arrangements : Exploring Sweden's ice skating spots is best done by car or by renting a campervan in Sweden , providing the flexibility to travel between different locations.

Essential Gear for Ice Skating in Sweden

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, pack the following items:

• Warm clothing:  Layers are key, with thermals, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof outer layer.
• Warm headwear:  A hat, ear warmers, and a neck scarf are essential to prevent heat loss.
• Waterproof gloves:  Opt for mittens or gloves that keep your hands warm and dry.
• Winter boots:  Choose comfortable and waterproof boots with good tread for walking on icy surfaces.

Glide Safely: Enjoying Your Ice Skating Experience

Safety is paramount when ice skating, especially on natural ice. Beginners should consider starting at a prepared rink to gain confidence before venturing onto natural ice.

• Always check ice conditions:  Never venture onto the ice before confirming its safety with local authorities or experienced guides.
• Invest in basic safety gear:  Wrist guards and helmets are highly recommended, especially for beginners.
• Warm up before skating:  Do some light stretches and exercises to prepare your muscles and prevent injuries.
• Be aware of your surroundings:  Be mindful of other skaters and maintain a safe distance.
• Know your limits:  Start slow and gradually increase your speed and distance as your confidence grows.
• Embrace the fika culture:  Take breaks for hot cocoa or coffee at cozy cafes to stay warm and re-energize.

Glide away!

In conclusion, ice skating in Sweden offers a magical blend of sport, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're gliding through a historic city or exploring the serene expanse of a frozen lake, ice skating is a must-try activity for anyone visiting Sweden in winter.

For those looking to explore the icy landscapes and charming cities of Sweden, consider renting a caravan from Campervan Sweden . Traveling by campervan offers the freedom to discover the best ice skating spots at your own pace, ensuring an unforgettable Swedish winter adventure.

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Ice skating in Tavelsjön in northern Sweden

Has ice skating in Sweden been on your list? In Tavelsjön you can go ice skating all winter and even participate in a race, Tavelsjörännet!

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In February 2020, I was invited by the Ghent skating club LBSG, Björk & Boström Sportresor and Visit Umeå to discover Umeå and the surrounding area. The highlight of this press trip was Tavelsjörännet, a skating race of about 104 km on the natural ice rink of the lake Tavelsjö. Fortunately you could also skate shorter distances and that’s what I would do!

The natural skating rink of Tavelsjö

The natural ice rink of Tavelsjö would not exist without the local sports association Tavelsjö AIK. They voluntarily ensure that the track is perfectly swept every time. This Facebook group is also very interesting, you can find more information about the current state of the ice. Be sure to check the group before you go skating at Tavelsjön!

In 2020 there was a 13 km long track, in an eight shape so that you could also return halfway. Because Tavelsjö is located quite north, the place is ice sure from December to March.

Skating on natural ice in Tavelsjön

Weeks in advance I was busy figuring out which clothes to bring. It can be very cold there, but when you skate, you get warm quickly. In the end I chose clothes that I would also wear for cross-country skiing and brought an extra warm jacket with me. I also bought sturdy Lundhags to tie the skates. Incredibly Exciting!

I can skate and do this regularly on artificial ice, but the times that I could really skate on natural ice can be counted on one hand. A few times in near my home town, once in the Lakeland of Finland and once in Hellasgå r den . That must have been about it.

Skating on natural ice can hardly be compared to turning rounds in an indoor rink. Firstly, you can fully enjoy the nature around you. Wonderful! Tavelsjö is really surrounded by nature. Except for the typical sound of your skates, you hear… nothing! Furthermore, it is also a bit more adventurous: you have to be alert for cracks in the ice, ice floes, … The Swedes grow up with the ice and learn to ‘read’ the ice.

When skating on natural ice you actually have to push on your heels so that your skates slide smoothly over the small cracks. In theory 😉. I tied on the skates and wobbled to the rink. Fortunately we had sticks with us to help with the balance. Hesitantly I took my first steps. My heart bounced and I was so nervous. Fortunately, coach Gert was patient and ready with advice and encouragement.

Tavelsjörännet 2020

I was going to participate in the 13 km. The longest distance I would have ever skated. Those 2 crazy Belgians (there was also a journalist from Het Nieuwsblad with me too) who would skate on natural ice for the first time and immediately participated in this race were the news of the town.

First we watched the start of the Swedish Master championship and the Belgians and Dutch from “our group” who would skate the marathon. And then it was up to me… Hihi, I was clearly not trained but determined to try anyway. I concentrated on the technique, tried not to trip over my own skates and alternated the “normal” skating with pushing the sticks to move forward.

It will not surprise you that the marathon skaters passed me several times, haha. I had some doubts when reaching the turning point of the loop. I started to get tired and feared that 13 km was just too high. Maybe it was enough and I should return? But with the encouragement from my fellow skaters (who were kind enough to adopt my slow pace), I kept going.

And then kilometer 8 came and I suddenly lay down on the ice. The pain in my knee and the fatigue made me give up. Yes, afterwards I was angry with myself. I should have just rested and continued but I didn’t want to hold up my fellow skaters any longer and walked back to the starting point. If only I had persevered, I would even have achieved a podium place in my category, haha! Yet it was a beautiful experience that I would do again immediately. As a beginner I might have opted for a tour with fika etc. in hindsight, but experiencing the race was also very special. Especially when I heard that there were a few real winners among the skaters of our group!

Sundligska Gården

Next to the lake you find Sundligska Gården. This is the gathering place for all skating fanatics. You can rent equipment, use a spark, change clothes and warm up after skating. And did I mention the good food?

The couple who keep this place open lived in London for 15 years and then decided to return to her hometown in Sweden. They are famous for their sourdough pizzas and I also ate a delicious lentil stew there. In the summer months you can rent kayaks and mountain bikes.

Practical information skating trip Tavelsjö

The Swedish travel organization Björk & Boström also organizes this skating trip for international travelers. Here you will find the info for 2020 . As soon as the info for 2021 is available, I will share it here.

Only about 400 people live in Tavelsjö itself. It is therefore best to spend the night in the pleasant town of Umeå , about 25 km away. There is a bus every day that takes you to the lake.

If the weather isn’t perfect for skating or you want to do something different, then you can visit Bildmuseet, Guitars – The Museum or another museum. Go shopping, walking or just enjoy the good food. Just search for Umeå and you will get a lot of tips!

P.S. By the way, keep an eye on the predictions for the Northern Lights while you’re here! We just had no luck last year. The days before and after our stay I saw pictures of the northern lights popping up on social media, but we only had cloudy nights.

Soon more info about:

• Skating on natural ice
• How to travel to Umeå
• Which sights in Umea you should not miss
• What winter activities you can do near Umeå

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Special thanks to Visit Umeå

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ICE SKATING TOURS STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

• User 15+ years old
• Hour Glass 6 hours

An Introduction to Ice Skating Tour

Don’t worry if you’ve never tried ice skating before; anyone can do it! Come and join us for a very Swedish winter adventure, skating on natural ice in and around Stockholm.

• User 18+ years old
• Hour Glass 8 hours

A Day on the Ice Guided Tour

If you are a confident skater and have previous experience ice skating either on natural ice, ovals, rinks, inline skating or cross country skiing skating-style, this is the perfect winter day tour for you! Here in Stockholm, we have some of the best natural ice in the world.

• Hour Glass 3 days

Three-Day Swedish Skating Adventure

If you love ice skating, you should join us on our three-day Swedish skating adventure! With hundreds of lakes and the Baltic Sea nearby, Stockholm has the best natural ice in the world!

• POPULAR TOUR
• User All ages

Private Ice Skating Day Tour

Whether you’ve never skated before or you’re all quite the pros, why not get your own private guide so you can play around on the ice by yourselves?!

Self-Guided Ice Skating

The surroundings of Stockholm offer many fantastic spots for ice skating during the winter, so if you prefer to go on our own, this self-guided tour is the perfect option for you!

Three-Day Private Swedish Skating Adventure

Enjoy your own personal three-day Swedish skating adventure! Each day, we skate on the best natural ice within a 350-km radius of Stockholm.

• Hour Glass 2 days

Two-Day Private Swedish Skating Adventure

If you are an experienced ice skater, hire your own private guide so you can enjoy a two-day Swedish skating adventure on the best natural ice!

Tim Widing wins Veritex Bank Championship, breaks scoring records for back-to-back victories

Daily Wrap Up

Tim Widing finished 31 under at Texas Rangers Golf Club for a four-stroke win over Myles Creighton. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Sweden native moves to verge of first PGA TOUR card

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ARLINGTON, Texas – Morning thunderstorms delayed the start of Sunday’s final round by five hours, but they hardly deterred Tim Widing’s patience. By the end of the 10th hole, another Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) victory felt inevitable.

A second win in as many weeks would assuredly be his. The only unknowns were how low Widing would go, and which records the 26-year-old Swede would break as he pulled away from the field at the Veritex Bank Championship.

Even with two bogeys in the final round, Widing carded an 8-under 63 and totaled 31-under 253 for a four-stroke victory. Widing birdied three of the final four holes Sunday, including a record-breaking birdie at the par-5 18th which broke the Korn Ferry Tour record for the lowest 72-hole score relative to par.

Widing’s total score of 253 marked the second-lowest 72-hole score in Korn Ferry Tour history, only behind Stephan Jaeger’s 30-under 250 from the 2016 Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae.

Widing, who won last week’s LECOM Suncoast Classic, became the 13th player (14th occurrence) in Korn Ferry Tour history to win back-to-back events, with the most recent being Chan Kim last August. Widing also became the 12th player in Tour history to win twice in the first nine events of a Korn Ferry Tour season, with the most recent being Ben Kohles, who accomplished the feat last season en roue to a No. 1 finish on the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour Points List.

“Monday night I was still just trying to soak in what I just did last week,” Widing said. “Of course I want to run it back and win again, but I was just still over the moon from my win last week. I told the guys yesterday I was just playing better, relaxed, and having a lot of fun out there on the course, and I think that helped a lot with the nerves, especially today.”

Lowest 72-hole score relative to par in Korn Ferry Tour history

Lowest 72-hole score in Korn Ferry Tour history

Widing carried a two-stroke lead into the final round and battled windy conditions Sunday afternoon en route to a 3-under 32 on the front nine. Hardly anyone remained within striking distance of Widing by that point, and an eagle at the par-5 10th effectively set up a drama-free back nine.

“After nine holes, both Frankie (Capan III) and Trent (Phillips) played amazing golf, and that kept me very focused on my own game,” Widing said, noting his eagle at the par-5 10th felt like a critical moment in the round. “To see it go in was a big relief. I think that was probably the turning point today to just keep going.”

As it turned out, neither of Widing’s playing partners in the final group was his closest competitor. That honor went to Canadian Myles Creighton, who made a birdie of his own on No. 18 for his 32nd birdie of the week, which would have been a new Korn Ferry Tour record had Widing not upstaged him with 33 birdies.

Creighton made some history, though. At 27-under 257, Creighton recorded the lowest 72-hole score relative to par by a runner-up in Korn Ferry Tour history, in addition to tying Rhein Gibson’s 23-under 257 from the 2016 Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae as the lowest 72-hole score by a runner-up in Tour history.

Most birdies in a 72-hole event in Korn Ferry Tour history

Most birdies and eagles in a 72-hole event in Korn Ferry Tour history

While Widing attempted yet again to soak in a career-changing victory, everyone around him recognized the significance of the moment. It was hardly about the records, even as his peers were awestruck by the final tally. It was instead about what lie ahead for Widing.

Since 2007, when the Korn Ferry Tour first awarded at least 25 PGA TOUR cards, every multi-time winner went on to earn a TOUR card at season’s end

“My mindset is still… this is our ninth event of the year, so there’s still many more to go,” Widing said. “(The) PGA TOUR has always been a dream since I started playing golf. We’re not there yet, so I’m still trying to play good this year and still work on the things me and my team have been doing over the last couple months. It’s easy to kind of look ahead, but I’m just trying to be here right now and enjoy this moment, see wherever it takes me.”

A promotion to the PGA TOUR could come even sooner for Widing via the Three-Victory Promotion. In three weeks, Widing will head to Kansas City for the AdventHealth Championship, where he will take his first attempt at becoming the 12th player in Tour history to earn the Three-Victory Promotion.

For the time being, however, it could not be further from his mind.

“Even after last week, I really wanted to just go home and soak it in with friends,” Widing said. “Probably going to be playing a lot of hockey. I’m really looking forward to that.

“Just take a few days off and really, again, process what just happened, and enjoy it.

Final-Round Notes

• The cumulative tournament scoring average of 67.874 marks the second-lowest tournament scoring average in Korn Ferry Tour history (67.703/2023 Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open)
• Trent Phillips (3rd/-26) posts his second top-three finish of the season (T2/The Panama Championship); his 26-under 258 marks the lowest 72-hole score by a third-place finisher in Korn Ferry Tour history, breaking the previous record of 260 jointly held by Kevin Yu/2022 Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open, Tom Whitney/2023 Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS, and Ryan McCormick/2023 NV5 Invitational
• Frankie Capan III (4th/-24), who carded a 13-under 58 in Thursday’s first round for the 13th sub-60 round and third round of 58 or lower in Korn Ferry Tour history, posts a third consecutive top-10; he recorded three top-10s in 22 starts as a rookie on Tour last season
• Korn Ferry Tour winner Evan Harmeling (T5/-23) cards the low round of the day with final-round 10-under 61, records his second career top-10 (Win/2020 Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club) in what was his 80th career start on Tour
• Open qualifiers Hunter Eichhorn (T5/-23) and Griffin Wood (T16/-19), along with sponsor exemption Yuxin Lin (8th/-22) earn a spot in the next Korn Ferry Tour event (AdventHealth Championship) via their respective top-25s

Billie Eilish Announces HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR

2024/25 DATES REVEALED FOR NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, UNITED KINGDOM, IRELAND, AND AUSTRALIA

American express card member presale starts april 30 and general on-sale begins may 3, third studio album hit me hard and soft out on may 17 [darkroom/interscope records].

Following the news of her highly anticipated third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT , set for release on May 17 [pre-order/add/save HERE ], Billie Eilish has announced arena dates, produced by Live Nation, for her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR . Starting in September 2024 , Eilish will embark on her North American leg of the tour which runs through to the end of December 2024 . The tour will continue in Australia starting February 2025 ahead of her European, U.K., and Ireland arena dates starting in April until late July . For a full list of tour dates, see below or visit billieeilish.com

Tickets for BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR will be available starting with the American Express® Presale beginning Tuesday, April 30 , with additional presales running throughout the week. Any remaining tickets will be available during the general on-sale starting Friday, May 3 on  billieeilish.com . On-sale start times vary by market, check local listings for more information.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, April 30 (while supplies last) – this is one of the many entertainment benefits American Express Card Members can access. Presale start + end times will vary by market, check your local listings at billieeilish.com for more information.

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Billie Eilish will continue her long-standing partnership with environmental nonprofit REVERB on this tour, building on the success of previous efforts, which resulted in over $1 million donated to environmental, greenhouse gas reduction, and climate justice projects, more than 150,000 fan actions, and much more. Sustainability efforts on this tour will include reducing greenhouse gas pollution, decreasing single-use plastic waste, supporting climate action, and updating concession offerings to promote and encourage plant-based food options with Support+Feed .

In keeping with her commitment to making a difference in the environmental impacts of her music and touring, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales in North America will go to  REVERB  and its ongoing effort to help support organizations across the country addressing the impacts of food insecurity and the climate crisis.

ECO-VILLAGE

The Billie Eilish REVERB Eco-Villages will be set up at 2 locations in the main concourse of every show where fans can take part in the tour’s sustainability efforts, connect with nonprofits, and take meaningful action for people and the planet.

SUPPORT+FEED

For collective action at the intersection of climate and food, Support+Feed will be launching a 360 campaign throughout the tour. Following the success in 2022, Support+Feed will offer an expanded version of the Support+Feed Pledge inspiring fans to eat one plant-based meal a day for 30 days with digital elements and community activations. Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in Plant-based Food Drives in a selection of cities alongside the tour to raise awareness and gather food to distribute to local communities.

Fans are encouraged to join the effort to make the HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR more sustainable. Where possible, take public transportation and carpool to and from the shows to help reduce greenhouse gas pollution and encourage more public transportation options. Fans will receive information via email about public transportation options before the show.

Venue partners are also helping to lessen the environmental footprint of the tour. In addition to efforts to decrease waste through reducing or eliminating single-use plastics and diverting landfill waste with compost and recycling, venues will be offering plant-based food options at all shows.

FAN PARTICIPATION

Bring an empty reusable water bottle or donate for a custom RockNRefill Nalgene bottle to fill up at the free water refill stations located at each venue. The RockNRefill bottles and refill stations are located at the Eco-Villages in the main concourse at all shows. Fight fast fashion by opting for thrifted, upcycled, or borrowed clothes instead of buying new clothing to wear to shows.

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR – NORTH AMERICA*

Sun Sep 29 – Québec, QC – Centre Videotron Tue Oct 01 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena Wed Oct 02 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena Fri Oct 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena Sat Oct 05 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center Mon Oct 07 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena Wed Oct 09 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center Fri Oct 11 – Boston, MA – TD Garden Sun Oct 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena Wed Oct 16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden Thu Oct 17 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden Fri Oct 18 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden Sat Nov 02 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena Sun Nov 03 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena Wed Nov 06 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena Fri Nov 08 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center Sun Nov 10 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center Mon Nov 11 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center Wed Nov 13 – Chicago, IL – United Center Thu Nov 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center Sat Nov 16 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center Sun Nov 17 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha Tue Nov 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena Wed Nov 20 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena Tue Dec 03 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena Thu Dec 05 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena Fri Dec 06 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena Sun Dec 08 – Portland, OR – Moda Center Tue Dec 10 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose Wed Dec 11 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose Fri Dec 13 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena Sun Dec 15 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum Mon Dec 16 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum Tue Dec 17 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR – AUSTRALIA

Tue Feb 18, 2025 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre Wed Feb 19, 2025 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre Fri Feb 21, 2025 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sat Feb 22, 2025 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre Mon Feb 24, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena Tue Feb 25, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena Thu Feb 27, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena Fri Feb 28, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena Tue Mar 4, 2025 –Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena Wed Mar 5, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena Fri Mar 7, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena Sat Mar 8, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR – EUROPE/U.K./IRELAND Wed Apr 23, 2025 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

Thu Apr 24, 2025 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

Sat Apr 26, 2025 – Oslo, Norway – Telenor Arena Mon Apr 28, 2025 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena Tue Apr 29, 2025 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

Fri May 2, 2025 – Hannover, Germany – ZAG Arena Sun May 4, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome Mon May 5, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome Wed May 7, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome Fri May 9, 2025 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena Thu May 29, 2025 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena Fri May 30, 2025 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena Sun June 1, 2025 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena Tue June 3, 2025 – Kraków, Poland – Tauron Arena Wed June 4, 2025 – Kraków, Poland – Tauron Arena Fri June 6, 2025 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle Sun June 8, 2025 – Bologna, Italy – Unipol Arena Tue June 10, 2025 – Paris, France – Accor Arena Wed June 11, 2025 – Paris, France – Accor Arena Sat June 14, 2025 – Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi Sun June 15, 2025 –Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi

Mon Jul 7, 2025 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Tue Jul 8, 2025 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Thu Jul 10, 2025 – London, UK – The O2 Fri Jul 11, 2025 –London, UK – The O2 Sun Jul 13, 2025 – London, UK – The O2 Mon Jul 14, 2025 – London, UK – The O2 Wed Jul 16, 2025 – London, UK – The O2 Thu Jul 17, 2025 – London, UK – The O2 Sat Jul 19, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Sun Jul 20, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Tue Jul 22, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Wed Jul 23, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Sat Jul 26, 2025 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena Sun Jul 27, 2025 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

*The tour wants to give fans, not scalpers, the best chance to buy tickets at face value. To make this possible they have chosen to use Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange. If fans purchase tickets for a show in the U.S. or Canada and can’t attend, they’ll have the option to resell them to other fans at the original price paid. To help protect the Exchange, the tour has requested all tickets be mobile only and restricted from transfer. This applies to all shows except those in Colorado, Illinois, and New York where Face Value Exchange cannot be mandated. Please note, a valid bank account or debit card within the country of your event is required to sell on the Face Value Exchange. More information on how the Ticketmaster Exchange works is available here .

Billie Eilish’s forthcoming album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT was written by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS , her brother and long-time collaborator, who also produced the album. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT will be available on all digital platforms, and in a continued effort to minimize waste and combat climate change; across all physical formats in limited variants on the same day, with the same track-listing and using 100% recyclable materials. For more information on all sustainable practices for this album release, please visit https://store.billieeilish.com/pages/sustainability

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is out everywhere on May 17.

Pre-order/add/save HERE.

High Res Images   HERE

Photo credit for album artwork and press photo is William Drumm

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