December is usually the best time for ice skating. It’s cold enough so that some smaller lakes already have a thin layer of ice. A minimum of 3-5 cms is recommended, though!  (Plus proper resque equipment).
Snow usually comes a bit later, which means that the ice can be smooth like a mirror. Perfect for gliding around on skates, with very little effort!

During a trip today to Lake Flaten just South of Stockholm, I saw some skaters leaving the ice just when I arrived. The ice was between 1-5 cms thick, so they needed to watch out a bit…

To go through the ice and “take a swim” in such waters isn’t as dramatic as it may sound. You will be up on your feet again within 30 seconds. But it can be a bit cold.     🙂
Ice skaters always carry a set of emergency equipment to get out of the water, as well as a long stick for testing the ice quality! Important is also replacement clothes, in a tight plastic bag.

And, for those of you who wonder: YES, I have been doing that, also the swimming part.    🙂

All the best,
Tobbe H

Can you see the skater on the right, on the ice?