Ice Skating in Sweden: Long Distance Ice Skating on Natural Ice

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.

Winter Other > Ice Skating on Natural Ice

At a glance

Duration: 4 days

Dates/Period: 14.01-17.01.10, 25.02-28.02.10. Private tours can be arranged between December and March.

Price: from £521/person including full board

Accommodation: 2-person rooms in hostel or hotel accommodation depending on option chosen.

Required: Normal fitness level and swimming ability. No skating experience necessary as full instruction given.

Map of Sweden

Carve your own tracks through a magical frozen world

Long distance ice-skating in Sweden: Östergötland

"Trip skating gives you a mix of exhilaration and tranquility." The Guardian features Ice Skating on Natural Ice as one of its "20 Great Things To Do This Winter", November 2006

Ice skating on the clear ice of a frozen lake is a unique way to enjoy the beauty of a Swedish winter. In the wintertime, Sweden's extensive network of lakes 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. 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.

Ice conditions change regularly - your guide will know where the ice is best on a particular day. From your base at local hostel or hotel accommodation, depending on your preference, you will head out each day to the most suitable area for your trip skating tour. The speed and distance covered will be adapted 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, with plenty of chances to take a break and admire the view. 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!

If you have never skated on long-distance skates before, don't worry - you will be surprised how quickly a beginner can learn to trip-skate calmly and safely. 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!

Read our blog article on Ice Skating on Natural Ice