Ice rinks in Stockholm
Neelam Varia rounds up some ice rinks in Stockholm if you’d like to go skating.
Whether you glide gracefully across the ice or skittle across it like Bambi, ice skating is a quintessential winter activity everyone should try at least once. And the festive season just wouldn’t be complete without a little twirl on the ice…especially in Stockholm.
Several open air rinks pop up all over the city, and the lakes and waterways freeze over. Here are some of the best ice rinks in Stockholm:
Kungsträgården
Right in the heart of the city, Kungsträgården is perhaps one of the most popular ice rinks. Skaters can show off their skills under twinkling lights or soak up the atmosphere from the sidelines, with glögg in hand, of course.
Get your groove on at the skating discos, or admire the skills of others at any of the figure skating shows. Whatever you choose, the Christmas village at Kungsträgården has an ice-based activity to suit everyone!
Hellasgården
Twenty minutes from Södermalm is the beautiful setting of Hellasgården. It feels miles away from the city, since there is nothing but nature around, but this is just all the more reason to visit. Skating at Hellasgården is unlike skating on your average rink, because you are skating on a frozen lake.
After a skating session, relax those muscles in the sauna, and if you’re feeling brave, take the plunge into the hole that has been cut out of the ice. Follow this with a visit to Hellas Storstugan and warm those cockles in front of the fire with hot chocolate.
Vasaparken
If you’ve got your own skates, head to Vasaparken, where they’ve got a pretty big rink that is not subject to weather conditions. Admission to the rink is free and is open everyday throughout winter.
Zinkensdamm
Zinkensdamm IP is probably one of the most visited sports centres in the country. It’s used all year round, and during winter, it becomes an ice rink. Just remember to bring your own skates and you’re free to spend as long as you’d like on the ice.
Medborgaplatsen
The square in the centre of Södermalm becomes home to an illuminated rink during the winter months. With a playground right across the street, it’s the perfect rink for little ones and adults alike.
Östermalm
Ostermalm gets an ice rink over winter too. But what makes this rink different from the others is the presence of grills…yes, that’s right, you can bring your own food to barbecue after your skating session. The rink is open evenings during the week, and during the day over the weekends.
Stockholm’s Waterways
In Stockholm, we’re quite lucky being surrounded by so much water, and indeed, the water freezes over during the colder months. What better way to make the most of it than to get a pair of skates on!
It’s also one of the more unique ways of seeing the city. If skating on natural ice makes you a little nervous, don’t worry, guided tours are available and are led by very experienced skaters.
But you’re free to lead your own adventure too.