Description »
A truly magical winter experience
Winter 2025/26: We recommend booking immediately if you wish to travel this winter. Availability for this experienced is typically limited far 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 or hotel 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.
An unforgettable adventure for standard level or advanced skaters
At minimum, some skating experience is required* - you must have previous experience of rink skating or roller blading and be generally confident standing and moving on skates. However, 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.
Those with more extensive experience, especially if you have previously skated on natural ice, will be able to cover greater distances in more extended skating periods.
*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 "Good to know" for more information on requirements for the tour and under "What's included" for details of protective equipment that is provided as standard or available to borrow on request.
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
Tour are offered with a choice of "Normal" (hostel standard) or "Upgraded" (hotel standard) accommodation. If choosing "Normal" standard, accommodation will have 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. See under "What's included" for more information.
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.
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Itinerary »
NB: Accommodation during your tour: 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. This may not be decided until just before your tour begins, as ice conditions change daily.
While every effort will be made to offer the most suitable accommodation available in the area in which you will be skating, the emphasis for the weekend is the skating. The priority is to find locations with good ice offering the best possible opportunities for high quality skating experiences. The standard of accommmodation and facilities, as well as travel time between Stockholm and the skating location at the start/end of the tour, will therefore vary for each tour.
Arrival
There will be a pick-up from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) airport at 10.30-11.00* (meeting point is in Terminal 2). Guests staying in Stockholm before the tour should travel to Rosersberg station with train arriving 10.21 for pick-up from there.
*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 be fine. 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.
Skating on this day is not a standard part of the tour, but there will be an opportunity for skating this day if possible. This may be skating locally before transfer to the accommodation base, or the group may drive to the accommodation directly to do some skating there later in the afternoon or in the evening. Driving time to accommodation typically 1-2.5 hours depending on where the weekend’s skating will take place.
With your travel as well as some hours of skating, today will normally be a long day. For "Normal" standard tours, where you will be cooking together in your hostel accommodation, the group may shop together for provisions at a supermarket (which allows any dietary requirements to be more easily accommodated).
The location of the best ice skating conditions and therefore the location of accommodation during the tours will vary throughout the winter season - your guides know the area intimately and will ensure that you are skating in a region with the best ice conditions at the time of your visit.
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!
Departure
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»
Dates 2026
Public tours (Thursday-Sunday):
- January:
- 15.01-18.01.26 (Normal Accommodation)
- 22.01-25.01.26 (Normal Accommodation)
- 29.01-01.02.26 (Normal Accommodation)
- February:
- 05.02-08.02.26 (Normal and Upgraded Accommodation)
- 12.02-15.02.26 (Normal and Upgraded Accommodation)
- 19.02-22.02.26 (Normal and Upgraded Accommodation)
- 26.02-01.03.26 (Normal Accommodation)
Please contact us to discuss possibilities if you wish to have a private tour on other dates. Private tours can be of shorter or longer duration.
Prices 2026
| Standard Prices (per person) | |
|---|---|
| Normal Accommodation Tours: | |
| Low season dates (15.01-18.01.26), based on 2 persons sharing | GBP |
| All other dates (based on 2 persons sharing) | GBP |
| Single supplement* | GBP |
| Upgraded Accommodation Tours: | |
| Low season dates (15.01-18.01.26), based on 2 persons sharing | GBP |
| All other dates (based on 2 persons sharing) | GBP |
| Single supplement* | GBP |
*Single supplement: Required for solo travellers. We are not able to offer the option for guests not travelling together to share. Guests travelling as group of 3 persons will normally be able to share room if wished - please contact to us discuss your requirements.
For private tours, please contact us to discuss your requirements. Per person price will vary depending on group size.
What's Included »
Included
NB: Accommodation during your tour: 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. This may not be decided until just before your tour begins, as ice conditions change daily.
While every effort will be made to offer the most suitable accommodation available in the area in which you will be skating, the emphasis for the weekend is the quality of the ice and a good experience of skating. The priority is to find locations with good ice offering the best possible opportunities for high quality skating experiences. The standard of accommmodation and facilities, as well as travel time between Stockholm and the skating location at the start/end of the tour, will therefore vary for each tour depending on possibilities available in the area in which you will be skating. Typically, one accommodation location will be used as a base for all three nights of the tour, travelling from there to different areas for each day's skating.
Normal Accommodation Tours:
- Accommodation: Shared rooms (normally 2-person rooms) in hostel standard accommodation with shared WC/shower facilities. Solo travellers must choose Single Supplement. Guests travelling as group of 3 persons will normally be able to share room if wished. Bed linen and towels are provided. Please note that end cleaning of your room 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. The group may visit a supermarket to select provisions together on Day 1 of the tour, which allows any special dietary requirements to be more easily accommodated.
Upgraded Accommodation Tours:
- Accommodation: Shared 2-person rooms in hotel standard accommodation with en-suite facilities (e.g. Scandic or Best Western). 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.
All Tours:
Equipment:
- Trip skates and skating boots (please advise shoe sizes in advance). Brands used are normally Zandstra and Alpina.
- Poles.
- Daypack (including thermos, water bottle, lunch box, sitting pad, towel and dry bag for spare clothing).
- Safety equipment (ice claws, rescue rope, whistle). A First Aid kit will also be carried by the guide.
Trip skates (shows skating blades in use and detached from the boots). Photos: NG
Protective equipment:
- Knee protectors: Provided for all participants and must be worn.
- Elbow and wrist protectors: Available for all participants to use if wished.
- Helmets: Available and recommended for all participants to use if wished. You are of course welcome to bring your own helmet if you wish (any type of helmet such a cycle or ski helmet would be suitable). The backpack will also normally provide protection if falling backwards.
Guide:
Experienced and knowledgeable local guide.
Transfers
- Local minibus transfers to/from Stockholm Arlanda airport and the accommodation for the tour. Guests staying in Stockholm before the tour will normally be asked to travel to a suitable meeting point in the morning of Day 1.
- 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.
- 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 for additional charge payable locally).
Good To Know »
Required
Health requirements/experience:
You should have a general good level of health and fitness, be able to swim and enjoy the outdoors. Max. weight limit 130kg.
To participate in this tour, you must have at minimum some previous skating experience (e.g. rink skating or rollerblades) and be able to stand up/move on skates with reasonable confidence.
The tour is also very suitable for skaters of more advanced level. Participants will be allocated groups/guides as appropriate at the start of the tour depending on previous experience and ability, with the aim of offering the most appropriate and enjoyable skating experience for your level.
Less experienced skaters will typically cover reduced distance and skate more slowly with additional breaks, while advanced skaters can cover greater distances with more extended periods of skating.
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 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 suitable for skaters of different levels and daily distances and level of challenge can be flexible to a certain extent depending on experience/fitness. However, proficiency of your skating technique can significantly influence the actual level of challenge encountered during the tour. Guests without previous experience of skating on natural ice may find the activity physically challenging and take time to develop confidence and improve technique.
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.
Groups
Normally max. 8 participants per guide. There may be a number of groups skating on a particular tour, with the flexibility to assign participants to different groups depending on experience and ability. Groups will typically 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.
Eco Info
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:
By Air:
Fly to Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) airport, where you will be met for transfer to the skating area.
Without Flying:
Ferry Dover-Dunkirk or Newcastle-Amsterdam for onward train connections to Nyköping, from where transfer can also be arranged.
Where Is It...?
Reviews »
You can see customer photos from this experience in the Nature Travels Facebook Gallery.
Media Coverage:
"Very different from taking a few wobbly turns around a pop-up ice rink, this liberating, fluid experience is meditative and exhilarating in equal measure." Rhiannon Batten in The Times
"Temporary festive ice rinks are no match for the magical experience of skating on clear, natural ice across a frozen lake in Swedish wintertime." The Times
"Forget watching Dancing on Ice; try some spins yourself with the help of Nature Travels. Nature Travels selects areas that are cold enough to ensure reliable ice formation, but not too snowy, to give the best conditions for carving and gliding." i News
"There are few more sensuous ways to experience the country's lakelands than on an ice-based weekender from Stockholm." The Times
"A unique way to travel through Sweden's dramatic icebound landscape." Breathe magazine
"Carve your own tracks safely with a Nature Travels multi-day ice-skating tour with local guides that know where to find the best ice to explore on any day." Newsweek
"Swedish ice skating will make fitness a pleasure." Metro
"In Scandinavia, you can still skate long distances in the wild." The Week
"A whitish-orange glow from the setting sun was reflected in the ice." Seán Williams in The Guardian
"Ice skating fanatics will love this four-day small group 'trip skating' adventure." Sainsbury's Magazine
"Forget doing tight circuits of your local rink with thousands of other wild-limbed novices. How about skating on iced-over lakes and waterways?" The Sunday Times
"Gliding across frozen lakes and seas, Scandinavian-style, makes for a spectacular winter adventure. At sunrise and sunset the light across these empty landscapes is mesmerising." Outdoor Fitness magazine.
"Skate through Sweden on frozen lakes with a guide, staying at local hostels." National Geographic Traveller magazine.
"Skating on the frozen wastes of the Baltic Sea is an astonishing experience." The Week
"If you enjoy ice skating but have outgrown the endless circling of the local rink, head to Sweden post haste." Recommended by Lonely Planet Traveller magazine as one of Europe's "Ultimate Winter Experiences".
"Forget crowded rinks. Once you've skated on natural ice, there's no going back.As my confidence grew, so did my speed. The sensation was irresistible, somewhere between floating, falling and, yes, flying." Duncan Craig, The Independent
"Skating on an open sea in a Nordic winter landscape is an experience like nothing else. It's exhilarating. It's liberating.from now on, a sedate spin round my local ice rink just won't have the same allure." Lizze Enfield, The Sunday Times
"Simple, peaceful, meditative – so unlike a session at your standard ice rink.I don't want this to be over. My sea ice experience has gone far better than I had ever hoped." Kevin Rushby, The Guardian
"My relationship with ice skating had moved beyond the annual flirtation on the local rink at Christmas – I was ready for a full-blown holiday romance." Adventure Travel magazine
"This trip was one of the most memorable of my travels. The joy of gliding never dissipates, whether it is out into the open waterscape or along reed protected coastlines." The Irish Times
"Escape the circle-skating crowds at Somerset House and ice-skate with a sense of purpose on a four-day trek through south-eastern Sweden's vast network of frozen lakes, with Nature Travels. The trip also involves, if conditions allow, moon-skating." The Guardian recommends Ice Skating on Natural Ice as one of its top "European Breaks With A Twist".
"Accompanied by an expert guide, you can experience the thrill of speeding over the frozen lakes of south-eastern Sweden this winter, covering distances of up to 25km per day, followed by a sauna in the evenings." The Observer recommends Ice Skating on Natural Ice as one of the "best places to go and things to do" as part of its "Great Escapes" series.
"Ice skating through a marine wilderness is one of the joys of a Baltic Sea holiday...and about as gloriously close to nature as you can get - total Swedish silence. Thank you Nature Travels and thank you Nature." Ethical Traveller journalist Catherine Mack describes her Ice Skating on Natural Ice tour in The Southern Star.
"Imagine the sun on your face, the crisp air all around you, and the smell of fresh ice - and now imagine gliding along on skates without being forced to go around and around in a tiny oval rink. Instead, you can experience the great outdoors on one of these naturally frozen skating spots: Just you, the ice, and your skates." Treehugger.com recommends our Ice Skating on Natural Ice tour as one of its "Stunning Spots for Natural Ice Skating Around the World".
"Soaring over frozen lakes is a godlike sensation." Recommended in Wanderlust magazine.
"Nature Travels are experts in outdoor and adventure travel." Ice Skating on Natural Ice is recommended in 101 Amazing Adventures by Russ Malkin.
"Nature Travels is at the top of my 2011 wishlist with its ice trekking holiday in Sweden." Catherine Mack in The Irish Times.
"I was completely captured by the idea of traveling on ice skates". Swiss-Italian magazine Azione.
"Local guides ensure the safest and most enjoyable tracks, leaving you to perfect your prowess whilst experiencing the country's breathtaking natural beauty." Running In Heels recommends Ice Skating on Natural Ice as one of its "Best New Year Breaks For A New You".
"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".
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Customer Reviews:
"I have been on this trip so many times, so I know exactly what I am signing up for! I always love this trip. The ice was particularly good this year." Jacky, March 2025
"We are so grateful once more to Nature Travels, my 4th tour ice skating tour across beautiful lakes. Dad and I enjoyed cooking and socialising with the group. Our guides were fantastic and ensured everyone was comfortable on the ice. Their passion and sense of adventure fuelled our appetites - 130km over 4 days of 'kärnis' (black ice)! The instructors were great coaches, they really took time to help you, and I massively improved my skating ability. Nature Travels holidays are quite frankly remarkable. The team's extensive knowledge allows us to try so many unique activities in the heart of Scandinavia, how lucky we are. A fantastic company who caters for the aspiring adventurer. Thank you so much!" Oliver, February 2025
"I cannot recommend this tour company enough. We did the natural ice skating in Sweden and it was phenomenal. Our guide was excellent and made the trip incredible. It was such an amazing experience that is difficult to put into words. You just have to go yourself and you will understand! I will definitely be going back!" Colin, February 2025
"A life-affirming experience that I'm recommending to everyone! This was one of the best things I've done in years. The logistics were perfect, the experience was amazing and our guide made it extra special." Thomas, February 2025
"The personal care pre-departure was really appreciated. The highlight was skating on the guide's favourite lake with my daughter." Chris, February 2025
"We have just returned from our wild ice skating adventure in Sweden. We just had the best time ever, still absolutely reeling from the experience. It was honestly the best experience of our lives and we can not wait to get back on the lakes next year. Our guide was amazing, so knowledgeable but most of all the best fun, who made us all feel really comfortable and safe. He made the trip our trip, letting us be fully involved in what, where and when we skated, with his expert guidance. Each day was completely different, our guide taking us to cover as many different types of lakes and ice as possible in the 4 days. It was tough, you do have to be fit, but our guide made sure no-one was left behind and we went at a pace we were all comfortable with. The accommodation was so much better than we had anticipated and all shopping and cooking together just added to the fun we had with our new skating friends. We even had a frozen lake in the garden which made a night time and a sunrise skate possible, it was truly magical. It is an experience I will never forget and know we will now do every season. Can not stop looking at the videos and pictures and already planning our next trip." Charlotte and Tiffany, January 2025
"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
"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
"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
"Our first Father and Son trip! Thank you so much to our guides, who were very helpful, supportive and accommodating. The conditions were PRISTINE - it's so magical to glide over mirrored ice amongst the islands and fishing huts. Let's not forget skating under moonlight! We loved socialising with the group, eating round campfires and cooking together in our cabins. Another truly brilliant trip with Nature Travels - thank you to Niki for squeezing us in at the last minute - we WILL be back! [I chose Nature Travels because of the] quality of trips - excellent guides, safe environment to practise new sports, great to spend time with like-minded people, logistics all taken care of. Helpful + quick responses from the office team." Oliver
"We managed to skate every day with the guides finding skatable locations. The weather cooperated and our last day of skating in the Archipelago was pure magic! Endless perfect ice was all I had hoped for. It was one of the best single day outdoor activities of my life!!" Jim
"The trip was great! Thanks for organising and making sure it ran so smoothly." Sam
"Our guide was fantastic! - helpful, knowledgeable, and great company. I felt safe under his guidance - thank you! I really enjoyed socialising with our small group in the hostel; cooking and relaxing. This is my second Beginners' tour, it is perfect for my ability. To skate on a frozen lake is magical! I have travelled with Nature Travels before, and really enjoy your trips. I believe you offer excellent customer service and are good value for money." Oliver
"Being back from a fantastic trip to Sweden with 4 days of skating on excellent ice, we want to say thank you to you for organising this unforgettable trip. We felt looked after by you very attentively, nicely and reliably, and our local guide was very experienced and friendly." Bettina, private tour
"We had a wonderful time. One of the most memorable experiences we've had! Thank you so much for all you did to coordinate our travel plans." Kirsten
"We really enjoyed the ice skating. The ice on the last 2 days was wonderful for skating. Although a beginners group, we managed over 60km of skating over the weekend. We were amazed by the incredible patterns of bubbles under the ice. Our guide was excellent and worked extremely hard to look after us well and make sure that we enjoyed the skating." Hilary
"Choosing a highlight is very difficult as it was all so fantastic. Possibly the first skate on the first day - having done it before, it was so wonderful to be back on the ice, and it was great quality ice, despite the thin layer of snow. Please pass on my (and Iris's) thanks for the vegan options. Our guide had really thought about this, and it was much appreciated." Jacky
"Extremely easy to book and you were very helpful with questions. The skating was simply amazing and in some of the most gorgeous scenery. Our guide was very diligent and extremely interesting about everything from skating to the country's history. A really special experience! Thank you for arranging an incredible trip!" Iona
"All commmunication was great and friendly and I was very informed. I was impressed by your professionalism and level of support. This holiday was only just at the right level for me, I was the weakest in the group but was really pleased to have been pushed and accomplished so much more than I had expected. This came down to the guide and the rest of the group who looked after me. It was a fantastic trip." Inge
"I wanted to express my thanks for such a brilliant trip! I had such a great time ice skating on an actual lake! Our guides were fantastic - very friendly, encouraging and supportive. We felt all meals, transport and accommodation was very well organised too. Lovely to also socialise in the youth hostel, cook and eat together. The 'what to wear/take' is great and I wanted to thank you for the detailed and swift communication before the trip." Oliver
"For me it was perfect! The moonlight skating and BBQ, amazing! John was an incredible host, really fun, I loved the trip, would 100% want to come back! I just want to say again how appreciative I am for all your help in planning and making the most wonderful trip. I had the most amazing time!" Shayara
"Our guide was brilliant." Jenny
"We had a fantastic time. Fully expect we'll be back!" Jacky
"Thank you for all your efforts to make sure I had a memorable experience. It was delightful. Being able to experience an activity I love (skating) in a different environment with really cool things like taking breaks on tree-covered islands and learning about the place I was visiting." Linda
"We were very lucky with the weather, given the recent dump of snow in Sweden. Our guide found excellent locations for us to skate each day and was very knowledgeable and engaging." Faris
"Our guide was awesome. I can't imagine a better guide. He had a great sense of adventure but was also careful to avoid dangerous situations. He is totally client focused and listened to what we wanted from the experience and delivered on it. Rarely have I had a guide this excellent. And the accommodation he choose was superb. Very local with an amazing ambience." Joanne
"The tour corresponded to my expectations so I am satisfied at all levels: Your availability to answer our questions and concerns; Clear and precise answers; In Sweden the accommodation was above what was expected and was very pleasant and beautiful; The ice skating was very enjoyable. To sum up, it was very good. Very pleasant, and I will be ready to repeat the experience and talk about it to others. Thanks to the whole team." Claudie
"Once again, an excellent holiday with Nature Travels. Under Björn's expert guidance, we found some excellent places to skate. Keeping an eye on the best conditions, our guide changed plans on the third day and we moved to a different hostel, nearer to what turned out to be perfect skating conditions. This kind of knowledge and flexibility made all the difference." Jonathan
"A fantastic guide who really looked after me and made the trip a really wonderful few days. [I chose Nature Travels because] easy to understand website offering the trip I wanted." Francesca
"The guide was simply fantastic - not just a really professional, highly experienced ice skating guide; but a really nice and generous host who nothing was to much trouble for - he really looked after us." Robin
"The skating and the scenery were both amazing! I'd recommend it to anyone interested!" Alexandra
"Pre-departure service was excellent. Always very attentive even when not communicating with the same person. Everyone was extremely efficient, kind and helpful by email or phone. Quick response too to any random questions. Our guide was excellent and he really 'made' the trip for us. He was so attentive to us on a personal level, but also always watching our mood and stability on the ice and was always prepared to modify the skating distances and time around us. I couldn't recommend him more highly." Jacquie
"Skating on wild ice and hearing the magical sounds of the ice singing. Guide was able to be flexible and adapt to conditions, taking us wherever he thought would be best on the day. Beautiful scenery and tranquillity." Marianne
"I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed last week's ice skating holiday in Sweden. Thank you for putting together such a fantastic package. Our guide ensured that each day's skating was in the best possible locations, with the right conditions. We always had a perfect balance of safety, challenge and enjoyment. It was interesting spending time with him as he read reports of other guides' experiences on the ice, in order to come up with a list of possible venues for the next day's skating. The highlight for me was the day spent on Lake Vättern, finishing by skating as dusk fell and then in the darkness, by torchlight." Jonathan
"The ice skating experience was tremendous, especially skating on the Baltic Sea." Victoria
"A very special experience that would be difficult to get anywhere else. [The local guides were] both very patient, supportive, and welcoming, and I felt that we were very safe and well taken care of at all times." Judith
"[The highlights were] the guides, accommodation and group." Aoife
"We had a great time. A big thank you for these few days. [We appreciated] the kindness and organisation of the stay." Patrice and Mary
"We both really enjoyed the two guides. They did an excellent job and kept us safe. As well as the other clients. The skating was like a dream." Blain
"We had a fabulous time, thank you. Both our guides were wonderful - looking after us, informative, friendly - couldn't have asked for more. Our hostel was very comfortable." Amanda
"I thought the guides were excellent, the other people on the trip were interesting and fun, and although it wore me out and my body aches, it was more than worth it. Marshmallows on a camp fire on ice on the final day was a fun ending. Going shopping to a Swedish supermarket as a group of 16 (including the two guides) was hilarious, and I won't forget looking for reindeer steaks. Thanks to everyone concerned. It was a fantastic time away." Sean
"Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Ice Skating tour - our guide was really good and we got three amazingly perfect days on the ice, as well as some moonlight skating on Fri, I would/will definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone! The accommodation was good, he was flexible with food and breaks and locations and I learnt so so much and felt safe and comfortable the entire time we were out, it's definitely one of the best things I've ever done." Sarah
"Thank you for making our trip successful, we have really enjoyed it very much! We will be back with our plans for our next visit." Lenka
"Ice skating + location awesome. Better than walking on the moon." Beatriz
"[The best part was] skating on beautiful lakes with a great group. Our guide and host was absolutely brilliant." Andy
"Great guide firstly, laid back, fun and knowledgeable. Weather, sun every day and no wind so very lucky, everything was perfect! We had a wonderful time, thank you." Pauline
"It was great - loved the experience." Tess
"Ice skating outdoors was amazing, the scenery was spectacular, and the only thing you could hear was the ice booming as it cracked in the warming sun." Name not supplied
"Just to let you know I had a great time in Sweden. John and his assistant Birja were brilliant. I loved the immersion into the culture through staying in the hostel and getting to know all my fellow skaters through cooking and living with them. The skating was fantastic, mainly I think due to John's careful consideration of weather conditions each night to then determine our destination. He was spot on every time. Thanks for your help in the lead up to the holiday. (Although I think 'holiday' is a bit inaccurate, I was frazzled! but never slept better!)." Darren
"The location and scenery were fantastic. The guides worked really hard to give us a great experience. The trip leaders John and Karl were fantastic and worked very hard to make it a great trip." Rod
"Just back from my ice-skating trip - I'm still buzzing! It was glorious, mesmerising and at occasional moments terrifying!! I really appreciate the lengths the guides went to, to make sure we found good ice." Joanna
"Long stretches of perfect ice for skating; an amazing experience and a most enjoyable trip. Very many hours of skating every day. Nothing was too much for our guide and his two assistants, everything was well-organised. I believe that the ice was rather iffy on some places but I felt perfectly safe during the whole trip.as there was no snow on the ice you could see the different patterns/make-ups of the ice which was very interesting and our guide was more than happy to provide information on why there are different ice structures, why some ice is stronger than others etc. I also found it rather fun that on occassions we had to take off the skates and walk across some islands as there was no other way to progress due to ice conditions." Heike
"Intelligent and nice guide team; splendid landscape." Bernard
"Thank you for an excellent few days of skating. We so enjoyed our time with you and feel so lucky to have had you all to ourselves. We loved the "stashes" of ice that you found for us and the ease with which you handled our pace for photography etc. Your quiet way of having all the details covered was much appreciated and we truly enjoyed every moment of our time with you. You are a true professional and we would recommend you to any of our friends and family. We hope to skate again with you sometime. Thank you for a wonderful vacation in Sweden." Candra, private skating tour
"Our guides were amazing and provided a fantastic holiday and memorable experience. We were lucky with the weather too." Sarah
"Just a quick email to say what a fantastic trip! The skating was just unbelievable - and the whole set-up superb. The guides on the ground are a real asset to you. Thanks for all your help in making it happen." Duncan
"Now I have been on this experience for the third time, and have always enjoyed it, seen different areas of Sweden and the local guide is doing a great job making it a good experience for everyone. I am very pleased with everything. I was very happy with the business I did with Nature Travels before, so a clear choice." Wiebke
"[I really enjoyed] skating on such big ice fields in the middle of the nature." Beat
"Just to let you know we had a great time! Thanks for all your arranging and a big thanks to the guides. They were brilliant. It was a trip I will never forget." Anna
"Great time - everybody should try it." Susan
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Recommended by Lonely Planet Traveller and Newsweek as one of the world's "Ultimate Winter Experiences".
"I have been on this trip so many times, so I know exactly what I am signing up for! I always love this trip. The ice was particularly good this year." Jacky, March 2025
Further Reading
- Read a trip report from Sofia on the Nature Travels blog.
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