I have been so excited for this. For me, ice skating is the quintessential winter activity. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and movement in, and cozying up at home in front of a movie afterwards, will feel at least ten times better, lol.
There are different ice rinks in Linköping, I went to the one behind the university (Campus Valla), where they freeze the running tracks.
I really wanted to go ice skating on a lake in Sweden, since I have never done that before, but at that time it was still way to warm for that to be a safe option. Also, someone that is very experienced with skating on lakes should join the group to do this. Or the safest option would be to join an association to go ice skating with. You can check out this link to join tours if this is something you are interested in: https://www.skridsko.net/skridskonet/tur/index.html?_language=en
To go to this track was super convenient because we were able to lend skates from Campushallen, the gym, on Campus Valla. It is super easy to lend skates from there. You just choose a pair of skates that fit you, pay 40 SEK at the reception and you’re ready to go! The ice rink is just a 3 minute walk behind Campushallen, but you will have to walk around it to get to the entrance. The ice rink is free to use, so you only have to organise your own skates. I have to say the skates we got were not the most comfortable, since I am used to different skates, but they did their job just fine anyways.
They only had these types of hockey skates, which were fine, but I felt a bit clumsy with them. Apparently it is also quite easy to get skates second hand for super cheap. I really want to look into that once I get back from my Christmas break at home. Since the ice rink is free, it would be nice to just go skating spontaneously and for however long I want. I should say that if you lend skates from Campushallen you have to return them by two o’clock (at least on the weekend), because their front desk closes by then.
I would also advice you to go early enough. We started skating at around 12:30 and the sun went down so fast, and then it got extremely misty. On the other hand I think that the lights are switched on to illuminate the track, so an evening (or afternoon, let’s be honest it’s Sweden) skate could be fun as well!
When I get back to Linköping I definitely want to check out a lake to skate on, and hit the second hand stores for a pair of skates. In case of success, a part two might follow.
Here is another Link for ice skating close to Linköping that you can check out to make sure your ice skating adventures are also safe! https://www.linkoping.se/uppleva-och-gora/idrott-motion-och-bad/arenor-och-idrottsanlaggningar/langfardsskridsko/
Anyways, I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas, whether you decided to stay in Linköping, went home or will arrive to LiU next term. Talk to you agin soon, //M.
