When: Winter, December to March, when snow has settled
Where: Västerås and surrounding areas
What: A guide to hiking in the Swedish winter
Winter in Sweden isn’t a time to hibernate, it’s a time to embrace the cold, pull on those hiking boots, and step into a completely different world. Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and crisp air—it’s a magical experience. But before you head out, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your winter hike enjoyable.
WHY WINTER HIKING IS SO SPECIAL
Hiking in the winter is nothing like a summer stroll. The landscape changes dramatically. What was once a lush green forest now becomes a serene, white wonderland. Snow muffles sound, creating a calm, almost eerie silence. The air feels fresher, cleaner, and there's a sense of peace in the hibernating forest.
Winter hikes also offer unique photo opportunities—think frost-covered trees, delicate ice formations on branches, and the soft glow of the low winter sun filtering through the forest. For us photographers, it’s a dream come true!
GEAR UP: WHAT YOU NEED
Winter hiking demands a bit more preparation than your typical summer or autumn hike. Here’s what you’ll want to bring along:
Layers, layers, layers: It’s all about staying warm and dry. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer (like fleece or wool), and top it off with a windproof and waterproof jacket.
Proper boots: Hiking in snow means you need waterproof boots with good grip. If it’s particularly icy, crampons or microspikes can be a lifesaver.
Hat, gloves, and scarf: Don’t forget these essentials! Heat escapes through your head and hands faster than you think, and it's nice to cover your ears.
A thermos of something warm: There's nothing quite like a hot drink after a few kilometers of trekking in the cold.
Trekking poles: Not always needed, but snow can be slippery and uneven, and trekking poles help with stability.
Snowshoes: If there’s a heavy snowfall, snowshoes can be a game changer. These bad boys let you float on top of deep snow, making it easier to navigate trails without sinking with every step. Plus, they offer a fun and challenging workout!
You’ll also want to pack a headlamp if you're hiking in the afternoon—Swedish winter days are short, and the darkness comes quickly!
NICE SPOTS FOR WINTER HIKING
While Västerås itself has some beautiful winter spots, if you’re looking for more remote, rugged landscapes, I recommend venturing a little further out for some truly magical hiking experiences.
Ängsö National Park: Just a short drive from Västerås, Ängsö is a fantastic winter hiking spot. The peaceful island transforms into a frozen haven, where you can hike along the shoreline of lake Mälaren, and enjoy the contrast of snow-covered trees against the water. The paths are fairly easy to navigate, making it a great spot for both beginners and seasoned hikers who want a peaceful walk through a winter wonderland.
Skinnskatteberg: Located just over an hour from Västerås, this area is known for its vast forests, frozen lakes, and the wild feel of the landscape. It’s a great spot for a day of hiking or even a weekend getaway. You’ll likely have the trails to yourself, and the snowy wilderness feels almost untouched.
ANOTHER WAY TO EXPLORE
If hiking through deep snow isn’t quite your thing, or you’re looking to mix it up, cross-country skiing is an incredible way to experience the Swedish wilderness in winter. Rocklunda and Rönnby are the main cross-country ski areas in Västerås, In a snowy winter you can ski for miles in the area.
The great thing about cross-country skiing is that it combines the tranquility of winter hiking with a bit more speed and fun. Plus, it’s a full-body workout that keeps you warm no matter how cold it gets! If you're a photographer, skiing also allows you to cover more ground quickly, giving you access to more remote and untouched areas to capture.
EMBRACING THE COLD: MORE THAN JUST FUN
Sure, winter hiking and skiing are fun, but did you know that embracing the cold can actually have some great health benefits too? As a Dutchie, I have to give a shoutout to fellow Dutchman Wim Hof, who has become famous for his cold-exposure methods, combining breathwork and cold therapy.
According to the Wim Hof method, exposure to cold can help strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and boost your mood. When you hike in freezing temperatures, your body adjusts, and over time, it can actually become more resilient to cold weather. Plus, breathing in that crisp, cold air can give you a mental clarity boost—it’s a refreshing break from the usual daily grind.
I’ve personally embraced cold showers as part of my routine, and who knows, this winter you might just find me ice bathing in a frozen Swedish lake! Until then, winter hiking is the perfect way to get some of these benefits while enjoying nature. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active during the darker, colder months and beat that winter fatigue.
THE REWARD
So, why bother with all the preparation, the cold, and the snow? Because winter hiking offers a unique kind of beauty you won’t find at any other time of year. It’s a chance to experience nature at its quietest and most peaceful, a break from the busyness of life, and an opportunity to challenge yourself in new ways.
And for those of us who love photography, it’s a whole new world to capture through the lens—icy landscapes, snow-covered forests, and that stunning winter light. So don’t shy away from the cold. Bundle up, get out there, and discover the winter magic of Västerås and beyond!
HELPFUL LINKS:
National parks in Sweden:
Rent gear at Aktivt Uteliv:
Book a sauna—Aktivt Uteliv also facilitates ice bathing:
More information about cross-country skiing in Västerås (in Swedish):
Komentarze