GUIDE

Eight ways to enjoy winter in Skellefteå

The Skellefteå winter is full of opportunities, both inside and out. Sven Burman is Marketing and Communications Manager at Visit Skellefteå and describes himself as a "nature addict". Here are eight strong tips for making the most of the cold season.

Cross-country skiing

This is where I really have my winter heart. I spend countless hours on our beautiful Vitberget with track systems of world cup standard, and trails for everyone, regardless of experience. I'd also like to give a shout out to all the association-run trails (about 30) that keep the whole municipality on skis.

Cross-country skating

When the first cold snap comes, the real ice skating nerds gather on the shiny hall floors in Kågefjärden, Kinnbäcksfjärden, Bäckfjärden and on our shallow lakes, which often offer good ice early in the season. For those without knowledge or experience, there are several plowed and washed tracks around the municipality. Safety first. Ice studs and company.

Museums and exhibitions

Not every day is a day out. When it's snowing or freezing cold, I like to stumble into Sara kulturhus or Skellefteå museum to look at one of the exhibitions and have a warming cup and drag my feet for a couple of hours.

Ski slopes and warming huts

Alpine skiing in all its glory, but best of all is the coziness of the warming huts. In Bygdsiljum, Klutmark, Storklinta and on Vitberget, I think the break between the runs is the most wonderful, with a picnic or the simplicity of buying something on site.

Stargazing and Northern Lights

There are many places around our large municipality where it gets really pitch black in the evenings and nights, where neither street lights nor city lights disturb the night sky. These are the places where you can really experience and photograph the northern lights and starry skies. Bjuröklubb, Kalvträsk and Svansele are some favorites.

Snowshoes or wide touring skis

They come into their own in the deep snow. Being able to go wherever you want in the soft powder snow between the trees in the forest can be an incredible and meditative experience, reaching places where almost no one else goes.

Winter bathing and winter swimming

The winter swimming culture has really taken off and created new communities and meeting places in Skellefteå and the crowning glory is the winter swimming in Kurjoviken which attracts swimmers from all over the world. I myself have never swum but really found the pleasure of winter swimming to reduce stress and training pain.

Support your local restaurant

We have many talented restaurateurs and producers who use local produce to create unique menus and drinks. Kurjovikens sjökrog is my 'local tavern' located by the sea where I like to spend a chilly Friday night with family and friends.

Text: Visit Skellefteå