There’s something magical about a Swedish winter – frozen lakes, crisp air, and snow-covered landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life took place on such a winter weekend in early March 2018, when I traveled to Framby Udde in Falun for an ice skating adventure on Lake Runn.
At the time, I had just moved to Sweden from Denmark, starting a new chapter after several months of going back and forth between the two countries. I wanted to make the most of the season, and what better way to embrace winter in Sweden than by gliding across a vast frozen lake?
With temperatures dropping to -10 to -12°C, the air was biting cold, but the sun was shining, and the wind had taken the day off – perfect conditions for outdoor skating. I stayed in a cozy wooden cabin overlooking the lake, a spot that made the experience feel even more magical. The weekend was pure joy: laughter, endless skating, sore muscles, and memories that still warm my heart today.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to ice skate on a natural frozen lake in Sweden, this post will take you through my adventure and give you practical tips for planning your own. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just curious about winter activities in Sweden, keep reading – this is a winter experience you won’t want to miss!
Table of contents:
- Getting to Lake Runn: an early start and a long walk
- Ice skating on Lake Runn: laughter, falls, and pure joy
- Winding down after a day on the ice
- Ice skating on a lake: essential tips for beginners
- Best frozen lakes for ice skating in Sweden
- Final thoughts: a winter escape to remember
Getting to Lake Runn: an early start and a long walk
The day started early, filled with excitement for what lay ahead. I had already visited Framby Udde once before, back in early autumn, when the weather was rainy and the landscape looked completely different. At the time, I was still living in Denmark, visiting Sweden before my big move. Now, months later, I was here for good, returning to Framby Udde in the heart of winter – this time with skates instead of rain jackets.
Luckily, I had packed everything the night before (I’m all about planning ahead – here’s how I usually organize my trips), so after a quick breakfast, I was ready to go. From Borlänge, I took the train to Falun, a short but scenic ride through the snow-covered Swedish countryside. It was already after lunch, around 1 or 2 PM, when I arrived in Falun.
With Google Maps guiding me, I began the 1-hour walk to Framby Udde. The air was crisp, and the snow-covered streets of Falun were quiet, giving the town a peaceful winter charm. As I walked further, the scenery became even more enchanting – snow-laden trees, wooden houses with frost-covered windows, and barely any people in sight.
By the time I reached the edge of Lake Runn, the excitement kicked in. The vast frozen lake stretched endlessly before me, shimmering under the soft winter daylight. My face was slightly numb from the cold, and my legs were tired from the long walk, but none of that mattered. I was finally here, ready to lace up my skates and glide across the ice for the adventure I had been waiting for.
Ice skating on Lake Runn: laughter, falls, and pure joy
After my long walk from Falun, I finally arrived at Framby Udde. The first thing I did was check in and drop off my bag in a cozy wooden cabin, which had a beautiful view of the lake. Stepping inside felt like entering a warm embrace – the wooden interior, soft lighting, and the quiet stillness of the winter landscape outside made it the perfect retreat.
Since winter days in Sweden are short, I decided to take it slow and enjoy the rest of the daylight. Instead of rushing to rent skates, I went for a peaceful stroll on the frozen lake. The silence, broken only by the crunch of snow under my boots, was magical. I took my time snapping photos and soaking in the surreal beauty of the landscape.
I also had some fun with the camera, tossing snow in the air like a kid and posing for silly photos as the sky slowly shifted into soft sunset colors. As the sun began to set, I captured a few playful shots that still make me smile. It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
The next morning, I woke up early, had a quick breakfast, and headed straight to the rental place just 20 meters from my cabin. Skates on, spirits high – I was finally ready for my ice-skating adventure.
Gliding on the ice
At first, the ice felt intimidating – vast, uneven, and unpredictable. Unlike an indoor rink, the lake had natural cracks and rough patches, requiring extra attention to avoid face-planting. But as soon as I started moving, the familiar thrill kicked in. Ice skating makes me feel free, like I’m floating rather than gliding. For those moments, my mind goes quiet, and I just exist in the movement.
Capturing the memories
Between my skating attempts, I took breaks to capture the moment. I snapped selfies, short videos of my wobblier attempts, and a few candid shots that perfectly captured the joy of the day.
The lake itself was enormous, dotted with small islands, and people were spread out so far that it almost felt like I had the whole place to myself. Ice skating is a popular winter activity in Sweden, and with winters lasting four to five months, people really make the most of the frozen lakes. That first winter in Borlänge, where I lived at the time, lasted until the end of April. Snow had already started falling in mid-October, and temperatures remained brutally low for months.
Anyway, I spent hours on the ice, gliding across the cleared skating path until the sun started dipping lower. As the temperature dropped and my muscles started aching, I knew it was time to wrap up. I had skated to exhaustion, but it was worth every second.
It was one of those rare, carefree moments – pure fun, no worries, just me enjoying winter in Sweden in the most magical way possible.
Winding down after a day on the ice
After hours of skating, falling, and laughing, my body was exhausted, and the cold was starting to creep in. The temperature had dropped even further as the sun dipped lower, casting a soft golden light over the frozen lake. My legs were sore, my hands numb, and I could feel the fatigue in every muscle. But it was the kind of exhaustion that felt satisfying – earned.
A warm drink with a stunning view
Before heading back to my cabin, I stopped by a small outdoor bar by the lake to grab a warm drink. There was no cozy indoor seating – just wooden benches and tables set up outside, overlooking the vast frozen lake. Even though the air was biting cold, I didn’t mind. I sat there, drink in hand, watching the last skaters make their way across the ice.
The view was breathtaking. The lake stretched endlessly, reflecting the soft colors of the fading sky. A few people were still skating in the distance, their silhouettes blending into the winter landscape. The air was completely still – no wind, no noise, just the quiet beauty of the Swedish winter. Sitting there, sipping my hot drink, I felt at peace, completely present in the moment.
Cooking in my cozy cabin
After finishing my drink, I made my way back to the cabin, which felt even cozier now that I was completely drained from the day’s adventure. I warmed up, changed into comfortable clothes, and started preparing dinner. I don’t remember exactly what I cooked, but knowing my habits back then, it was probably pasta: quick, easy, and always delicious.
There was something incredibly peaceful about that evening. No rushing, no distractions – just a quiet night in a little wooden cabin, cooking, unwinding, and replaying the funniest moments of the day in my head. The room was filled with warmth – not just from the heater but from the feeling of happiness and simplicity.
As I ate, I looked outside the window one last time. The lake, now completely quiet, lay under a dark winter sky. It had been an incredible day: carefree, fun, and filled with laughter. I knew I would wake up sore the next morning, but at that moment, everything felt perfect.
Ice skating on a lake: essential tips for beginners
Ice skating on a frozen lake is nothing like skating on a rink – the surface is rough, cracked in places, and full of surprises. I thought I was pretty good at skating (and I am, mostly), but Lake Runn humbled me real quick. If you’re planning to try outdoor skating, here are some things I learned firsthand that will make your experience safer and way more enjoyable.
1. Ice safety first – don’t take risks
Unlike a rink, where the ice is always stable, a lake has deep cracks, shifting thickness, and even weak spots. I stuck to a well-maintained path, but even then, some cracks were big enough to trip over.
- Stick to marked ice skating tracks or areas known to be safe.
- If you’re going off-trail, make sure the ice is at least 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) thick.
- Avoid areas with running water, inlets, or patches of snow – these can hide weaker ice.
2. Skating on a lake feels different – adjust your balance
I confidently glided forward… and immediately felt every bump, dip, and crack. Some were deep enough that hitting one at high speed could have sent me flying.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight forward for better balance.
- Start slow and get a feel for the ice before trying to speed up.
- If you hit a crack, don’t panic – just shift your weight and glide over it carefully.
3. Dress for the cold (I definitely didn’t the first time)
Since I had just moved to Sweden, I didn’t fully understand how cold it gets on a frozen lake. My gloves weren’t insulated enough, and my socks? Let’s just say my toes went numb real fast.
- Wear a base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a windproof outer layer.
- Get insulated gloves – thin ones won’t cut it in -10°C.
- Double up on wool socks because frozen feet = no fun.
4. Bring the right gear (or regret it like I did)
If I could go back in time, I’d pack better gloves and hand warmers. Falling on natural ice hurts way more than a rink, and even though I only fell a few times, each one left me with a sore backside. The ice is hard, uneven, and unforgiving, so it’s better to be prepared.
- Nordic skates are best for lake skating, but hockey or figure skates work, too.
- A helmet is smart if you’re new to skating on rough ice.
- Ice claws (safety picks) can save your life if you end up on thin ice (hopefully not needed, but still good to have).
- Padding or extra layers can help if you’re worried about falling – trust me, the ice isn’t soft.
5. Take breaks and enjoy the view
One of my favorite moments? Sitting on a bench with a hot drink in my hands, looking out at the vast, empty lake as the sun started to set. Skating on a lake isn’t just about movement; it’s about the whole experience.
- Pack a thermos with hot chocolate or tea – it’s a lifesaver in the cold.
- Bring snacks (because skating for hours makes you super hungry).
- Stop, look around, and just soak in the moment – it’s unforgettable.
Bonus tip: If you’re spending the night
If you’re staying overnight like I did in Framby Udde, pack extra cozy indoor clothes, slippers, and a book or board game for a relaxing evening after skating. There’s nothing better than warming up in a cabin, enjoying a simple meal, and reliving the best (and funniest) moments of the day.
Had I known better back then, I would have packed a lot more efficiently! But even without the perfect winter gear, the experience was absolutely worth it.
Best frozen lakes for ice skating in Sweden
Sweden is a paradise for outdoor ice skating, with countless frozen lakes offering breathtaking views and well-maintained skating tracks. If you’re looking for the best spots to glide across natural ice, here are a few must-visit locations:
Lake Runn (Falun/Borlänge) – One of Sweden’s most famous ice skating lakes, Lake Runn offers miles of cleared skating trails winding through small islands and stunning winter landscapes. It’s a skater’s dream, attracting both locals and visitors every winter.
Lake Mälaren (Stockholm Area) – Sweden’s third-largest lake, Lake Mälaren, often freezes enough for long-distance skating. Popular routes stretch near Stockholm, Uppsala, and Västerås, making it a great option for those visiting the capital.
Lake Vänern (Sweden’s largest lake) – When the weather conditions are right, parts of Lake Vänern – the largest lake in Sweden – offer spectacular ice skating opportunities. The sheer size makes it feel like an endless frozen world.
Lake Torneträsk (Lapland – Northern Sweden) – For a bucket-list-worthy experience, head to Lake Torneträsk near Abisko in Swedish Lapland. If you’re lucky, you can skate under the Northern Lights, making it one of the most magical winter activities in Sweden.
Sweden’s long winters and vast lakes create some of the best natural ice skating experiences in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, these lakes offer a truly unforgettable adventure.
Final thoughts: a winter escape to remember
Looking back, my ice skating weekend on Lake Runn was one of those rare, perfect moments in life – carefree, exciting, and filled with laughter. From the long walk to Framby Udde to the hours of skating and clumsy falls to finally warming up in that cozy cabin, every part of the trip was unforgettable.
If you ever get the chance to skate on a frozen lake in Sweden, do it. The feeling of gliding across endless natural ice, surrounded by stunning winter scenery, is truly magical. Just dress warmly, stay safe, and don’t forget to pack extra gloves – I learned that lesson the hard way!
Would I do it again? Absolutely.