In Sweden they say that ‘there is no bad weather – just bad clothes’ so get off the couch, get your greatcoat on – and pick up your skates on your way out! There are several great parks in the Stockholm area with ice skating rinks (some also rent out skates) and we’ve gathered a list of them for you to check out!
Kungsträdgården
It’s the most popular ice-skating rink in the city. Kungsträdgården’s open air ice-skating rink offers skate rentals as well as a great atmosphere with several stands selling hot drinks and goodies. It’s a magical way to spend a cold, dusky evening in Stockholm. It’s relatively cheap, at least by Swedish standards, and includes skate hire. What’s more, you don’t have to be a pro to feel at ease there. It’s a perfect place to test your skills alongside beginners, the more experienced, the young and the old.
Opening Times:
Open from November 7th.
Monday – Friday 10:00-21:00
Saturday – Sunday 11:00-21:00
Cost: (they prefer credit/debit cards)
Adults 60kr/hour (over 19 years old)
Children 30kr/ hour
Price includes skates (sizes 25-48) and helmet
Note: Renting hours end 1 hour before closing.
Vasaparken
Pack a thermos and show off your skating skills in one of the ice rinks in the heart of the city. Vasa Park has a great artificially frozen rink that is 60 x 43 m, but you’ll have to bring your own skates.
This large and popular ice-skating rink is maintained several times a week and open between 8 am – 9 pm weekdays, and 10 am – 9 pm on weekends. It is closed between 6:30-8am, 12-1pm and 5-6pm for resurfacing. This is a mechanically-frozen ice rink so the quality is not as dependent on weather conditions, as natural ice rinks. It should open at the end of November, weather permitting.
Address: Vasaparken, Stockholm (Norrmalm)
Telephone: 08-508 090 00
E-mail: [email protected]
Zinkensdamm
Outdoor and indoor rinks. Bring your own skates
Address: Ringvägen 16, 117 26 Stockholm (at Zinkensdamms Idrottsplats)
Telephone: 07-392 190 56
Östermalm
All skaters and other visitors to Östermalms rink are welcome to use the changing rooms and toilets. Unfortunately no storage is available. The rink opens December 1st.
Rentals and sharpening skates:
Monday and Friday 17:00 to 20:00
Tuesday to Thursday 19:00 to 21:00
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 to 16:00
Info on rental and grinding ring 0704-67 06 77
Address: Fiskartorpsvägen 2, 114 33 Stockholm
Telephone: 07-392 190 07
Medborgarplatsen
The ice is set in the center of Medborgarplatsen with an illuminated rink. It’s perfect for children and beginners and across the street is a playground.
Telephone: 08-508 265 52
Stora Mossen Ice Hall
A great place for indoor/outdoor skating. Bring your own skates and helmet.
Address: Västerled 36, Mosskroken, Stora Mossen (Stora Mossens IP “A-hallen”)
Telephone: 08-253 527
Hellasgården
The Hellasgården recreation area offers lovely outdoor ice skating along with a variety of other winter sport activities to participate in. It takes 20 minutes to get to Hellasgården from downtown Stockholm.
Take bus 401 from Slussen to the Hellasgården stop in Älta. You can also take subway line 17 to Skarpnäck and get off at Hammarbyhöjden, Björkhöjden, or Bagarmossen. Follow the signs from the station to Hellasgården.
Telefon: 08-716 39 61
Skating on Stockholm’s Waterways
Skating on natural ice is an exhilarating experience. Long-distance skating on natural ice requires a certain amount of knowledge and safety equipment.
A safe alternative for those who want to skate on the ice around Stockholm is to go with an experienced guide. If you’re feeling more adventurous, book a long-distance guided skate outing on the natural ice of Stockholm’s waterways. Iceguide provides 5- to 9-hour guided skating tours, complete with safety equipment and instruction. They offer tours starting Dec. 27 – Dec. 31, but tours after January 1st are only on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Iceguide organizes excursions, loans out skates, safety equipment and clothing in their tour package. Courses are also available. Note that this activity is dependent on ice thickness and weather.
Website URL: www.iceguide.se
Know of any other places to ice skate in Stockholm? Or would you want to come skating with YLC some time? Let us know in the comment section below!
Research: Carmel Heiland
Featured Image: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se
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