Stockholm: Guided Natural Ice Skating Tour with Lunch & Fika

When it comes to experiencing Stockholm in winter, nothing beats the thrill of gliding across a frozen lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed reviews, expert organization, and charming Swedish touches make it clear that it’s a must-do for anyone wanting an authentic, beginner-friendly ice skating adventure.

What really draws us to this experience are the professional guides who prioritize safety, the chance to develop new skills in a stunning natural setting, and the delicious Swedish lunch and fika that punctuate the day. That said, it’s worth noting that this is an active outing, so proper winter clothing is essential. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable with a bit of physical effort—perfect for those wanting to try something different in Stockholm’s winter landscape.

Contents show

Key Points

Beginner-friendly: Suitable for those new to ice skating, with safety instructions and guidance provided throughout.
Scenic setting: Glide on natural ice on a frozen lake, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy stunning winter views.
Well-organized: Transport, equipment, and meals are all included, ensuring a seamless experience.
Authentic Swedish flavor: Enjoy traditional fika and a warm lunch around a campfire, adding cultural richness.
Safety focus: Experienced guides, safety equipment, and clear instructions help build confidence on the ice.
Flexible and transparent: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and no need to check ice conditions beforehand.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Stockholm

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

This 7-hour guided tour starts with a short walk from central Stockholm to the pickup point, conveniently accessible from both metro stations (Skanstull and Mariatorget) and Stockholm Södra station. Once everyone has gathered, you’ll hop into a minivan that whisks you off to the best natural ice conditions of the day. This means the experience is flexible, based on real-time weather and ice safety—so no two trips are exactly alike.

The guides, like Jonas, are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, offering thorough safety instructions and watching over the group with care. They generally limit groups to a maximum of eight guests per guide, ensuring personalized attention. You’ll watch a safety video, receive equipment (skates, boots, poles, ice picks, helmet, knee and elbow pads—brand new for 2024), and be briefed on how to stay safe.

Learning and Building Confidence

The emphasis here is on beginners’ skill development. Instruction is a blend of group practice and individual coaching, ensuring everyone progresses comfortably. Reviewers like Katarina mention feeling reassured as guides provide detailed explanations on equipment and safety, which boosts confidence. As you practice, you’ll notice your ability to balance and glide improves—sometimes faster than expected.

Once most in the group are feeling more secure, the guides lead a gentle skate across the lake, making stops to admire the scenery and chat about local culture. You might find yourself surprised at how quickly you begin to enjoy the glide—many say they leave with a sense of achievement and a new hobby.

Rest Stops and Lunch

Throughout the day, there are planned stops for photos, rest, and socializing, giving you a well-paced experience. When hunger strikes, you’ll gather around a campfire to enjoy a warm, homemade lunch—think hearty soup with crackers and cheese, complemented by traditional Swedish fika of pastries, cookies, and tea or glögg (Swedish mulled wine). Reviewers highlight how well-organized and tasty the meal is, making the cold outdoors feel cozy and inviting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Glide and Return

By the end of the tour, most participants are skating with a newfound sense of ease, often joking about how they look like seasoned skaters. When the day wraps up, the group heads back to the meeting point, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. Some reviews mention just how magical it feels to skate on a fully frozen lake in the middle of Stockholm’s winter landscape, making it an experience that sticks with you long after.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Stockholm might interest you

What’s Included and What to Bring

This tour offers excellent value, including round-trip transport, quality skating equipment (boots, skates, helmets, etc.), a warm lunch, and Swedish fika. The small group size (max 8 guests per guide) ensures personalized attention, which is key for beginners or nervous skaters.

You’ll want to bring your own winter gear—think thermal layers, windbreaker, hat, gloves, scarf, and sunglasses. Since weather in Stockholm can change quickly, dressing in breathable, quick-drying clothing is advised. Reviewers like Katarina appreciated the clarity of instructions and felt safe thanks to the detailed safety briefing, but attention to proper clothing enhances this safety.

The dry bag provided is handy for storing personal essentials like phones or cameras, and you can bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated.

The Value of the Experience

At $193 per person, this tour might seem a bit pricier than some outdoor activities, but it’s important to consider what’s included: transportation, top-quality equipment, expert guidance, and a truly scenic experience. Many reviews emphasize that the guides’ professionalism and attention to safety make this a worthwhile investment, especially for those new to ice skating or outdoor winter sports.

The Real Deal: What Reviewers Say

Highly praised guides: Many mention guides like Jonas or others for their friendly, thorough, and professional approach, which helps build trust and confidence on the ice.
Scenic, safe environment: Reviewers consistently noted how beautiful the lake scenery is, and that safety instructions were clear and reassuring.
Delicious food: The lunch and fika are frequently highlighted as highlights—warm, filling, and authentically Swedish.
A memorable experience: Multiple guests underlined how unique and magical skating on a natural lake feels, especially for those who’ve never tried it before.

However, some reviewers did express concerns—like feeling unprepared or unsafe due to insufficient instructions or equipment issues. It’s worth noting that the provider has responded positively to these feedbacks, emphasizing their safety protocols and guide training.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided ice skating tour is ideal for beginners who want a safe introduction to winter skating amidst Stockholm’s stunning natural scenery. It’s also perfect for those seeking a cultural experience—combining outdoor activity with traditional Swedish fika and hearty food.

If you enjoy outdoor adventures, don’t mind a bit of physical activity, and appreciate well-organized tours with professional guides, you’ll find this experience both fun and rewarding. It’s a lovely way to get outside, learn a new skill, and make some wintery memories.

While it’s not suitable for young children under 12 or for those with mobility issues, active travelers who are comfortable in layered winter clothing will thoroughly enjoy this authentic glimpse of Stockholm’s winter charm.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, this tour is designed to be beginner-friendly, with safety instructions, equipment, and guidance tailored for those new to ice skating.

What should I wear?
Bring warm, layered clothing, including thermal underwear, windbreaker, hat, gloves, scarf, and sunglasses. Proper outdoor winter gear is essential for comfort and safety.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, from pickup to return, including travel, instruction, skating, lunch, and fika.

Are the equipment and safety gear provided?
Yes, high-quality skates, boots, helmets, poles, ice picks, knee and elbow pads, and dry bags for belongings are included.

What if the ice isn’t safe on the day?
The tour provider will do their best to organize an alternative activity, often a winter hike. They don’t check ice conditions beforehand but monitor weather locally.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, offering flexible planning for your trip.

This guided natural ice skating tour promises a fun, scenic, and culturally rich experience tailored for beginners and outdoor lovers alike. With expert guidance, delicious food, and the chance to try a quintessential Swedish winter activity, it’s an adventure worth considering during your Stockholm visit.