Stockholm: Guided Natural Ice Skating Tour with Lunch & Fika

If you’re looking for a way to truly embrace Stockholm’s winter magic, this guided ice skating tour might just be your ticket. While we haven’t personally strapped on skates here, the reviews and details suggest it’s a well-rounded, beginner-friendly adventure that combines outdoor activity with cozy Swedish traditions. Think skating on pristine lakes, learning from friendly guides, and ending your day with warm food and fika—Swedish for coffee break with pastries.

What really catches our eye about this experience are the professional guidance and the stunning scenery. You’ll get personalized instruction in a small group, which makes all the difference if you’re new to ice skating. And the chance to explore the beauty of Stockholm’s winter landscape on a frozen lake? That’s a memory worth making. On the flip side, a possible concern is the weather and ice conditions, which are out of the organizer’s control. If the ice isn’t safe, they promise an alternative like a winter hike—though, based on past seasons, skating usually goes ahead.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and are open to new skills. It’s especially appealing if you want a day of fresh air, scenic views, and a bit of physical activity without needing to be a pro skater. Keep in mind—it’s not suitable for children under 12, so this is better for older kids and adults. If that fits your crew, read on—we’ve broken down what makes this tour tick, what to expect, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly: Clear safety instructions and a professional guide make it accessible for newcomers.
• Scenic setting: Skating on natural lakes with beautiful winter views offers a unique experience.
• Inclusive amenities: Equipment, lunch, fika, and dry storage are taken care of, simplifying your day.
• Small group size: Limited to eight participants, which allows for personalized attention.
• Weather-dependent: Ice conditions can change rapidly; an alternative activity is offered if skating isn’t safe.
• Value for money: At $190, this experience offers a full day of fun, learning, and cultural insight, which many reviews praise as worth the cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Ice Skating Experience

What the Tour Promises

From the moment you sign up, this tour makes it clear that everything is about making the experience enjoyable and safe. You start at The Green Trails, a meeting point within walking distance from Skanstull and Mariatorget metro stations, making it convenient for those staying in central Stockholm. The day kicks off with a safety briefing—crucial for beginners—and a scenic drive out into the Stockholm County countryside, setting the stage for a day immersed in nature.

The core activity involves heading to a natural lake, where you’ll learn how to skate or improve your technique under the watchful eye of a friendly instructor. The small group size is a definite perk here—only up to eight guests—allowing your guide to give personalized tips and reassurance. Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, with one reviewer even calling their guide “fantastic” and expressing that they felt very safe on the ice.

The Route and Stops

Once on the ice, you’ll experience the joy of gliding over the frozen surface surrounded by wintery scenery. The group will skate at an easy pace, with plenty of stops to take photos, enjoy the views, and rest. Some stops are guided tours of scenic spots, adding a cultural touch to the outdoor adventure.

Midway through, the group gathers around a campfire for a warm lunch and fika. The food is described as homemade, with hearty soups, cheese, biscuits, and hot drinks—perfect for warming up after time on the ice. The open fire adds a cozy, authentic feel that many reviews rave about, making it a true Swedish experience. The rest of the day involves more skating, with opportunities to develop confidence and refine your technique in a relaxed environment.

The Equipment and Safety

All the necessary gear—skates, boots, poles, ice picks, helmet, knee and elbow pads—is provided, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling light or don’t own your own equipment. For 2024, the gear is upgraded with new safety equipment, emphasizing the importance of security when skating on natural ice.

Participants are advised to bring appropriate winter clothing—think layers, windproof jackets, hats, gloves, and sunglasses. The organization emphasizes that weather can affect ice safety, but historically, the season tends to be reliable for skating.

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The Return and Overall Duration

After a full seven hours—including transport, skating, meals, and breaks—you’re returned to your original meeting point. The experience is long enough to feel immersive but not so exhausting that you won’t want to explore Stockholm afterward.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable in winter conditions. It’s perfect if you’re a beginner or someone looking to try ice skating in a safe, guided environment. The inclusion of lunch and fika offers a taste of local culture and makes the whole day feel special.

If you’re traveling with children under 12, this tour probably won’t be suitable, as it’s geared more toward older kids and adults. But if you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group interested in a cozy, scenic, and active day, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

The Experience in Perspective

Looking at the reviews, it’s clear that most travelers leave very satisfied. Many praise the knowledgeable guides, describing how they made everything clear and helped build confidence on the ice. For example, one reviewer mentions how their guide provided detailed safety instructions and watched a safety video, making them feel secure enough to skate freely.

Others emphasize how special the scenery is—skating on a natural lake with views of the winter landscape makes the experience memorable. Several reviews also highlight the delicious homemade lunch, with one mentioning soup, crackers, cheese, biscuits, and hot drinks served around a campfire, adding to the authenticity.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A few travelers mention that the safety instructions could be more thorough, and that the instructor’s confidence varied. One person was nervous and chose not to skate at all, illustrating how individual comfort levels can differ.

Price-wise, at $190, the tour offers a full day of activity, instruction, transportation, and food—many find this good value, especially considering the small group atmosphere and quality equipment. It’s an experience that balances adventure with comfort, with genuine attention to safety and local culture.

Final Thoughts

This guided ice skating tour offers a delightful way to experience Stockholm’s winter outdoors. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate scenic landscapes, enjoy trying new activities, or simply want to spend a day in nature with a cozy cultural twist. The small group size and professional guidance make it accessible for beginners, while the stunning views and authentic Swedish fika elevate the whole experience.

If you’re looking for a memorable winter activity that combines physical activity, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality, this tour could be just what you need. Be prepared for cold weather, dress warmly, and bring your sense of adventure. The chance to glide across a frozen lake surrounded by winter beauty is something you’ll likely remember long after the snow melts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed to be beginner-friendly, with thorough safety instructions and coaching from friendly guides.

What do I need to bring?
Bring warm, breathable winter clothing, including gloves, hat, sunglasses, scarf, and layers. The tour provides equipment, but you should dress in quick-drying materials.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 7 hours, including transport, skating, meals, and breaks.

What if the ice isn’t safe to skate on?
If the ice conditions are unsafe, the organizers will arrange an alternative activity, most likely a winter hike, on the scheduled day.

Can children under 12 join?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 12 years old.

What equipment is provided?
Skates, boots, poles, ice picks, helmet, knee and elbow pads, and a dry bag for personal belongings are included.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip minibus transport from the meeting point to the lake is included.

Where do I meet?
The Green Trails, within walking distance from Skanstull and Mariatorget metro stations, and Stockholm Södra station.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, advance booking is recommended, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What’s the main highlight of this experience?
Most travelers rave about the guided instruction, the chance to skate on natural lakes, and the cozy lunch around a campfire.

If you’re after an authentic winter adventure in Stockholm, this guided ice skating tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and outdoor fun. Perfect for setting a memorable tone for your trip—and maybe even learning a new skill along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: