Ice skating in Stockholm: rinks, lakes, and long-distance tours
Stockholm: guided natural ice skating with lunch
Duration: 7 hours
Where can I ice skate in Stockholm for free?
Stockholm has several free outdoor rinks: Vasaparken (Vasastan) is the most popular, Medborgarplatsen (Södermalm) and Kungsträdgården (central) also have seasonal rinks. Skate rental costs around 150 SEK for 2 hours. Rinks typically operate December through February, ice conditions permitting.
Stockholm’s ice skating culture
Ice skating in Stockholm is not a tourist gimmick. It is a serious local pursuit with a dedicated culture — free outdoor rinks maintained by the city, organised natural ice tours on Lake Mälaren and the archipelago, and a club-based long-distance tradition that draws participants from across Scandinavia. Stockholm winters with sufficient cold (most years) create conditions that Swedes actively look forward to.
For visitors, the options range from a casual hour on a free city rink to a full-day guided tour on frozen lake ice with a traditional Swedish lunch. This guide covers the full spectrum.
Free outdoor rinks in Stockholm
Vasaparken (Vasastan)
The most popular outdoor rink in central Stockholm, in the residential neighbourhood of Vasastan north of the city core. The rink is maintained by the city, admission is free, and skate rental is available on site at approximately 150 SEK for 2 hours. The rink is floodlit for evening skating and has a small warm-up building.
How to get there: T-bana to Sankt Eriksplan (green line), then 5 minutes on foot. The rink is visible from the street.
Best for: All ages. The rink is large enough for comfortable skating even when moderately busy. Weekend evenings can be crowded with families and teenagers.
Medborgarplatsen (Södermalm)
In the heart of Södermalm, Stockholm’s most characterful neighbourhood, Medborgarplatsen square becomes a rink when temperatures allow. It is smaller than Vasaparken but well-located for combining with food and coffee nearby.
How to get there: T-bana to Medborgarplatsen (red line), directly adjacent.
Kungsträdgården (central)
A small but central rink in the park between Sergels Torg and the waterfront. Convenient for those already in the city centre and excellent for a quick session while sightseeing. Limited rental facilities — it’s worth bringing your own skates if you plan to visit here specifically.
How to get there: T-bana to Kungsträdgården (blue line), or a short walk from most central hotels.
Natural ice skating on Lake Mälaren
When temperatures drop consistently below -5°C for several days, Lake Mälaren — the large lake to Stockholm’s west — and parts of the inner archipelago form skatable ice. This is where Swedish ice skating culture gets serious.
Long-distance (långfärds) skating uses specific Nordic speed skates — long, thin blades attached to boots, quite different from standard figure or hockey skates. The technique takes some learning; the reward is gliding across open ice with the Stockholm skyline behind you.
Essential safety gear for natural ice:
- Ice picks (ispik): worn around the neck, used to pull yourself out if you fall through thin ice
- Long Nordic skates (not hockey skates — too short for natural ice)
- A dry change of clothes sealed in a waterproof bag
- A rope for assisting others
The Stockholm Ice Touring Club (Stockholms Skridskoseglarklubb): Sweden’s oldest ice touring club organises guided tours at multiple levels, including introduction sessions specifically for newcomers to natural ice. They check ice conditions before each outing and lead tours on verified safe routes. Joining a club outing is the recommended way for first-timers to experience natural ice.
Introduction to long-distance ice skating in StockholmGuided ice skating experiences
For visitors who want a structured experience rather than self-organising, several guided tours are available:
Natural ice with lunch: A full-day guided natural ice skating experience, typically on Lake Mälaren, with equipment provided and a traditional Swedish lunch. Duration is approximately 7 hours including travel. This is the most comprehensive option and doesn’t require your own equipment.
Beginners on a frozen lake: Nordic ice skating for complete beginners provides all equipment and teaches the basic technique before moving onto natural ice. This is the right choice if you’ve never skated on long Nordic blades.
Moonlight session with hot chocolate: Evening ice skating in the moonlight with hot chocolate — a more romantic and atmospheric option, typically shorter than the full-day tours. Good for couples or those who want the experience without a full commitment.
Northern lights combination: On nights with solar activity, ice skating with fire and a chance of northern lights combines the outdoor experience with aurora hunting. The northern lights aspect is never guaranteed, but the tour is worthwhile regardless.
Archipelago sauna and skating combination
The Stockholm archipelago in winter offers a specific combination that Swedes consider one of the great winter experiences: skating across frozen sea ice between islands, followed by a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge back into the sea through a cut hole in the ice. The contrast between the heat of the sauna and the -5°C outside temperature is extreme and invigorating.
Vaxholm, a 45-minute ferry from central Stockholm, offers packages that include this combination. The experience is best in January and February when sea ice is at its most reliable.
Indoor rinks for guaranteed skating
If outdoor conditions are uncertain or you want a guaranteed surface:
Hammarby Sjöstad (Zinkensdamm): A full-size covered ice rink in Södermalm, used for hockey and public sessions. This is where serious Stockholm skaters train when outdoor ice isn’t available.
Göta Ark (Östermalm): Another indoor option in the east of the city. Public sessions are scheduled around club and hockey use — check the schedule in advance.
Indoor rinks charge a small entry fee (around 60–80 SEK) plus skate rental at similar rates to outdoor venues.
Practical information
Season: Outdoor rinks typically run late November/December through February. Natural lake ice requires at least a week of consistently cold temperatures (below -5°C) to form safely.
Checking conditions: The city’s rink websites update on openings and closures. For natural ice, the Stockholm Ice Touring Club posts current conditions on their website. Conditions can change within 24 hours.
What to wear: Warm layers, waterproof outer trousers (falls happen on ice), and thick socks. Wrist guards are advisable for beginners. Gloves are essential — bare hands on ice are dangerous.
Children: Most rental facilities offer children’s skates and helmets. Vasaparken and Medborgarplatsen are both good for young children; the more open space at Vasaparken makes it easier for unsteady beginners.
Frequently asked questions about ice skating in Stockholm
Can I skate in Stockholm without booking in advance?
For city rinks (Vasaparken, Medborgarplatsen, Kungsträdgården), yes — just show up during opening hours and rent skates on site. For guided natural ice tours, advance booking is essential as group sizes are limited and popular dates sell out weeks ahead.
What if I’ve never ice skated before?
City rinks are fine for absolute beginners — the surfaces are maintained, other skaters are used to newcomers, and rental staff can advise on technique. For natural ice, a specific beginners’ tour is strongly recommended. Never attempt natural ice without proper equipment and guidance.
Is the ice skating free at Vasaparken?
Entry to the rink is free. Skate rental costs approximately 150 SEK for 2 hours. Bringing your own skates saves the rental cost.
Frequently asked questions about Ice skating in Stockholm
When do outdoor rinks open in Stockholm?
Outdoor rinks typically open in December when temperatures drop consistently below freezing, and close in February or early March when temperatures rise. The exact season varies year to year — some winters have extended seasons, others are interrupted by warm spells that require temporary closure.How much does skate rental cost in Stockholm?
Skate rental at outdoor rinks is approximately 150 SEK for a 2-hour session. Some locations charge per-session, others per-hour. At Vasaparken, rental facilities are directly adjacent to the rink. Helmets are available for children and recommended for beginners.What is long-distance ice skating in Sweden?
Long-distance skating (långfärdsskridskor) is a Swedish tradition of skating across frozen lake or sea ice on long Nordic speed skates. On Lake Mälaren and parts of the Stockholm archipelago, when conditions allow, skaters cover 20–50+ km in a day. The Stockholm Ice Touring Club organises guided tours for newcomers.Is lake skating safe for beginners?
No — natural ice skating requires experience, proper equipment (long Nordic skates, ice picks, and a rope), and knowledge of ice conditions. The Stockholm Ice Touring Club (Stockholms Skridskoseglarklubb) organises guided tours specifically for beginners and checks ice safety before all outings.Where is the best rink for families in Stockholm?
Vasaparken is widely considered the best family rink — large, well-maintained, with rental facilities and a warm-up area. Kungsträdgården is central and convenient but smaller. For a guided family experience, the private family ice skating tour on natural ice is an excellent option.
Top experiences
Bookable activities with verified prices and instant confirmation on GetYourGuide.
Stockholm: guided natural ice skating with lunch
Stockholm: introduction to long-distance ice skating
Stockholm: Nordic ice skating for beginners on a frozen lake
Stockholm: ice skating in the moonlight with hot chocolate
Stockholm: ice skating with fire & chance of Northern Lights
