Feeling some cabin fever in the long Swedish winter months? Or simply want to experience some iconic Swedish winter activities when visiting?
Sweden offers so many great outdoor and indoor activities to beat the winter blues, experience the beautiful snowy scenery, and get active while doing so.
Here are 11 ideas for iconic winter activities in Sweden.
1. Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing reigns supreme in Sweden. It is also historically significant, as Scandinavians used to have to cross-country ski as a necessary mode of transportation before trains, cars, etc.
Swedes used wooden skis to collect firewood, trek to hunting areas, and visit family and friends. It wasn’t until the 19th century that skiing became a sport, and it remains a beloved winter activity to this day.
The country as a whole also isn’t that mountainous, which therefore makes cross-country skiing that much easier. Not to mention, it’s a beautiful way to get exercise while enjoying the nature around you.
You can find a cross-country track near you here. Some are free, while others require a small fee.
2. Downhill skiing/snowboarding
Sweden does, however, still have a good number of ski slopes. And to be honest, Romme Alpine, where I went, is one of the best I’ve been to. There were 34 different routes to take and 14 lifts, which made waiting in line next to nothing. All the routes were long and wide, making them great for a snowboarder like myself.
We went to the ski lodge on top of the mountain, and it was, hands down, the best ski food I’ve ever had. From goulash to Swedish waffles, hot chocolate, hot dogs – it was all amazing and at a decent price.
3. Northern Light Hunting
From late September to early March, you can spot the Northern Lights in Sweden. The darker winter months from December to January are some of the best times for Northern Light hunting. The further north and the more remote you are, the more likely you are to see them.
Get the Aurora app, and wherever you are, it’ll tell you the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights that night.
Here are some additional tips for spotting them.
4. Natural Ice Skating
This is yet another activity that is so iconic to Sweden. The lakes freeze over and make for some great natural ice skating – which is different than your typical indoor skating. It’s a magical winter experience. Always go with someone and be safe around the less frozen areas.
There will normally be somewhere to rent skates if you don’t already have your own.
5. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is an extension of hiking. Snowshoes are racket-like footwear that you wear under your hiking boots to assist you in trekking in the snow. It’s almost a type of flotation that prevents you from sinking in the snow.
Like cross-country skiing, it is a great way to get exercise outdoors in the winter months while being easier on your joints than downhill skiing.
6. Dog Sledding
What sounds more magical than sledding through the winter forests with a team of dogs? While this is only available in the northernmost areas of Sweden like Kiruna and Abisko, it is a bucker list winter activity to do.
You’ll need to book a tour through a dog sledding company, and you can find the one closest to you here.
7. Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a traditional activity and way of getting food for the Native Sami people of Sweden. It is now a popular activity all across the country and elsewhere.
This activity can require gear like an ice drill, chairs, of course the poles and bait, and LOTS of warm clothing. So it can sometimes be better to book a tour that can show you the ropes. You’ll also need a fishing license, which the tours include as well.
Do your research and see where it is available near you.
8. Padel
Padel is a common and popular indoor sport here in Sweden. Similar to tennis and racketball. You are in a glass box or cage and can use the walls of the box to your advantage. You can play singles or doubles.
There is probably a padel club near you; just do a quick Google search. You can usually rent the equipment for the rackets and balls there too.
9. Sauna
Going to a sauna is a great way to warm up and sweat in these cold winter months, and Sweden has around 300,000 of them.
It has been proven to help with circulation, immunity, sleep, stress, skin, and more. Saunas are the perfect way to up your wellness while partaking in a traditional Swedish activity.
Nudity is can be the norm in Swedish saunas, but just check the rules when you look into one.
10. Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a great transportation method in the extremely snowy Swedish regions. It can also just be used leisurely to go further distances or to get to more remote and pristine areas.
Snowmobiling tours are a great route to take to ensure you aren’t driving over certain areas of nature you shouldn’t be.
11. Indoor Rock Climbing/ Bouldering
While not special to Sweden, indoor rock climbing and bouldering gyms are a great way to get active in the Swedish winters.
Rock climbing is a puzzle not just for your body but your mind. It’s great for mental focus and mental fortitude. Bouldering is also an activity you can do solo.
