Winter in Sweden

The winter holidays offer fantastic winter experiences in Kiruna, with activities suitable for the whole family. Here are six tips for a memorable week in the snow-covered mountain environment.

Experience the wilderness in a unique way with a delightful dog sledding tour. Try driving yourself, or sit back and enjoy the ride as the sled glides through the landscape. A short trip from Kiruna is one of the world's most iconic ice hotels, the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. Explore the artworks carved in ice and let yourself be fascinated by the magical light. For those who can stay awake, a Northern Lights safari is a fascinating experience. Witness the spectacular Northern Lights, either on your own or with a professional guide.

If you like skiing, we recommend the Luossavaara slope. This is a perfect place for families who want to go downhill skiing or snowboarding. In Kiruna, you also have the opportunity to learn more about the Sami culture and participate in a reindeer safari with the chance to feed the reindeer. Or why not try your luck with ice fishing on one of Kiruna's frozen lakes and simply enjoy the tranquillity of the winter landscape?

Stay at Hotell E10 by First, and you and your family will be close to most of the winter holiday adventures that Kiruna offers.

Ice disco, breathtaking sledding hills, and science squared – in Umeå, there's plenty of fun to be had both indoors and outdoors this winter and during the sports holiday. For those curious about space, technology, and science, a visit to Curiosum is a must. Go on a planet safari, use traditional or digital tools to create your own creations, or visit the Wisdome dome theatre. Bildmuseet offers the whole family the opportunity to create their own dream world, and at the Västerbotten Museum, exciting activities are offered in collaboration with the Sami week.

If you like being outdoors in the fresh air, there are a total of six different ski resorts in and around Umeå. Or why not try dog sledding? Experience the tranquility of nature as you glide along with the sled on the snow. Umeå is also an excellent starting point for experiencing the Northern Lights. Bäcksjön, Nydalasjön, and Tavelsjön are popular viewpoints to see the dancing natural phenomenon.

For those who need somewhere to stay, the modern family rooms at First Hotel Dragonen solve the issue. The hotel is just five minutes from the station. 

The High Coast offers many exciting activities and beautiful natural experiences during the winter break.

Go for a winter hike on Skuleberget and experience the High Coast's dramatic landscape. The winter view is striking, and for the brave, there is the opportunity for ice climbing. At the top of Skuleberget is the Friluftsbyn Toppstuga – perfect for a well-deserved fika with a view over the archipelago.

If you want to speed downhill on a family-friendly ski slope, we recommend Åsbacken in Örnsköldsvik or Bjästabacken, about 20 minutes south of the city. In Härnösand, you'll find Vårdkasen ski slope and in Kramfors, Latberget (Sandrabacken). Put on your helmet, fasten your skis and snowboard, and off we go.

For those who prefer to stay indoors, the adventure pool Paradiset in Örnsköldsvik is a hit for both young and old. In Härnösand, Technichus science center offers experience-based learning for children and adults who can experiment and explore science in a playful way.

Mora, located in the heart of Dalarna, offers a variety of activities for the whole family during the winter break. With its stunning nature and rich culture, it is a perfect destination for winter adventures. Check in at Hotell Kung Gösta First Partner, and you'll be close to everything Dalarna has to offer.

Start your day with cross-country skiing on parts of the classic Vasaloppet trail. There are tracks for both beginners and experienced skiers. For those seeking more thrilling experiences, Gesundaberget is a must. There are slopes to suit most people, whether you're skiing or snowboarding.

Want to take a break from the snow? Visit the Zorn Museum and immerse yourself in Swedish art history, or participate in craft workshops for children at Mora Cultural Centre.

Don't miss ice skating on Saxviken if the weather and ice permit, or try dog sledding in Dalarna's beautiful forests - an unforgettable experience! End the day with hot chocolate by an open fire in one of the municipality's cosy rest huts.

Stockholm is an excellent city for winter and sports holidaymakers. Check into one of our hotels in Stockholm and see some of our suggestions for things to do in the capital.

• Visit the animals, try forging, or take a quiz walk at Skansen. Take a lunch break and grill sausages or visit one of Skansen's pleasant cafes or restaurants.
• Challenge family and friends to shuffleboard, darts, bowling, billiards, or something else fun at Ballbreaker.
• Experience freedom and test what it's like to fly (without an aeroplane) and float freely in the wind tunnels at Bodyflight in Bromma.
• Try climbing at the Climbing Centre. Climbing is fun, challenging, and provides a wonderful sense of achievement when you make your way up the wall.
• Visit Stockholm's Skatepark in Fryshuset. In addition to Stockholm's only vert ramp, there is a mini ramp, concrete flooring, and street area here. You can also join a skate camp, competitions, and challenges.
• Step into Astrid Lindgren's amazing world at Junibacken. Here, the magical fairy tale train runs, theatre is performed, and you can participate in creative exhibitions or play board games.

Also, take the opportunity to visit the Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, National Museum, Fotografiska, or Modern Museum while you're here.

Experience Gotland in winter and during the half-term break. Book a stay in one of the family rooms with a private kitchen at First Hotel Kokoloko for an excellent starting point. The hotel is conveniently located near both the ferry terminal and Visby town centre.

Take a day trip to Fårö's mysterious landscape and check out the iconic sea stacks. Winters on Fårö are often calm and quiet, making it a perfect place for a peaceful outing. Other great excursion destinations include hiking on the rugged cliffs at Högklint or enjoying the fresh sea air along the beach in Ljugarn. Perhaps you'd like to explore Gotland's medieval history in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Visby? Stroll through the old town and along the iconic city wall. Bring hot chocolate and snacks along the way.

A visit to Kneippbyn's water park is always a hit, and for curious families, the Fenomenalen Science Centre offers exciting experiments and activities. Additionally, Gotland Museum offers free entry for children and youths up to 19 years old. They are open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Check in at First Hotel City and celebrate the sport holiday with a lovely hotel stay while experiencing what Eskilstuna has to offer.

For those who enjoy being outdoors, we recommend a visit to Parken Zoo, which is open in winter. Here, you have the opportunity for guided tours and exciting encounters with the animals, where children can learn about the animals' winter habits and participate in fun activities.

Another fun activity is ice skating. Visit Sméhallen, which offers free ice skating for the whole family. Bring your skates or rent them on-site. Otherwise, Vilsta recreational area is ideal for sledging and winter games if the weather permits. Combine it with a barbecue at one of the grill spots for a lovely day outdoors.

If you prefer to stay indoors, Eskilstuna city library organizes crafts, storytelling, and competitions for children of all ages. At Eskilstuna Art Museum, you can join family-friendly workshops and create your own artworks. Perhaps you'll be inspired by the exhibitions on site?

Take the opportunity to create wonderful memories during the winter break in Norrköping. The city offers exciting activities for the whole family. Here are some tips on things to do this winter:

• Discover world-class space, science, and technology at the Visualisation Centre C. During the winter break, special dome shows and interactive experiments for children and young people are offered.
• Vrinnevi Forest is perfect for a day in the snow with sled races and a break with hot chocolate and buns. Put on your winter clothes and pack a picnic for a lovely day with the family.
• Participate in creative workshops and guided tours at Norrköping Art Museum during the winter break. The museum offers fun activities suitable for the whole family.
• Glide on ice skates right in the city centre. The ice rink at Tyska Torget is open every day during the winter break.

In the heart of the city, you'll also find First Hotel Central. It's perfect for families who want convenient accommodation close to everything. Check in and experience Norrköping.

Örebro offers activities for the whole family this winter and is an excellent destination for enjoying fun activities during the winter break. Check into City Central Hotel Örebro First Partner and have a look at our tips below, providing you with a great starting point for a successful week.

• Explore the Nature at Oset and Rynningeviken - Pack a picnic and head out for a winter walk or ski trip in this beautiful nature reserve.
• Spend a Day at Gustavsvik Lost City - The adventure water park Lost City is a favourite for children. Here you'll find slides, a wave machine, and you can relax in warm pools. Perfect for a break from the winter chill.
• Ice Skating at Stortorget - Right in the centre of Örebro, there is an ice rink for free skating. Bring your own skates or hire on site and enjoy a fun time with music and hot chocolate.
• Visit Örebro Castle - Join an exciting tour of the castle and learn about its history. During the winter break, family-friendly activities such as treasure hunts and craft workshops are organised.
• Try the Sledging Hills in Markaskogen - Markaskogen offers several sledging hills for thrilling rides. Pack a hot drink and spend a whole day outdoors!

The winter break of 2025 offers a wealth of fun activities in Jönköping, a city that combines the vibrancy of urban life with closeness to nature.

A day at Rosenlundsbadet is perfect for fun water activities with the family. Here you will find adventure pools, water slides, and a relaxation area for both young and old. If you'd rather stay dry behind the ears, Jönköping City Library arranges storytimes, crafts, and creative workshops for children and youth. 

Outdoors, if the weather permits, you can go ice skating on Lake Vättern, or enjoy cross-country skiing at Hallby track centre, which offers well-maintained tracks for various levels. For the adventurous, there is also Jönköping Escape Room, which entices with tricky challenges for the whole family. 

Don't miss visiting the Match Museum, where children can learn about the history of the match and participate in interactive exhibitions. Book the whole family at First Hotel Jönköping for a perfect base for all the week's activities.

They say all good things come in threes. Did you know that we have three hotels located around or very close to Lake Vänern? Why not take a road trip during the winter holidays and visit Hotel Rådhuset by First in Lidköping, First Hotel Royal in Säffle and First Hotel Bengtsfors in Bengtsfors?

Start in Lidköping and enjoy winter walks along the shores of Lake Vänern, or visit the Rörstrands Center to experience beautiful ceramics, learn more about Swedish porcelain history, and participate in creative workshops. The city's cosy cafes are perfect for a delightful fika, and Framnäsbadet with its indoor pools and water slides is a hit with families.

In Säffle, winter fishing at Byälven is enticing, and there are great ski tracks for both beginners and experienced skiers. SäffleOperan also offers performances that warm the soul on chilly days.

In Bengtsfors, the beautiful nature of Dalsland awaits with opportunities for cross-country skiing, dog sledding or ice skating on frozen lakes. Also, visit Halmens Hus, where you can learn about craft traditions and create something of your own. Have a pleasant journey!

The west coast gem Halmstad offers plenty of fun activities for the whole family during the winter sports break.

A favourite is to visit Halmstad Arena Bad. Here you'll find water slides, lazy rivers, and warm pools for both big and small. Perfect for a break from the winter chill. Another highlight is Halmstad Activity Centre which is packed with things to do. Here you can play Laserdome, participate in the tricky Prison Island, challenge each other in the Gladiator battle or play mini-golf in the dark at Black Pearl Golf.

If you'd rather experience fresh air and wonderful outdoor activities, which are also completely free, then the nature area Simlångsdalen is the place for scenic winter walks. If the weather allows and there is snow, you can also ski or sled here. Enjoy the tranquillity in beautiful surroundings and end the day with a coffee at one of the cosy cafes nearby.

Another outdoor activity that doesn't cost anything is the playground in Norre Katts Park. Here you'll find an almost nine-metre high climbing tower, tube slide, trampoline, carousel, and much more. Check in at Hotel Amadeus by First for a well-deserved night's rest after an active day.

Skåne is an excellent destination for winter and half-term holidays, and both Malmö and Lund have something for everyone!

In Malmö, you can visit the popular Malmö Museum and the Nordic region's oldest preserved Renaissance castle, encounter fish, spiders, and reptiles in the Aquarium, watch 360-degree films about science and space in the dome cinema Wisdome, or participate in interactive exhibitions for both children and adults. Also, take the opportunity to visit the cosy winterland at Folkets Park, go ice skating, meet fairy-tale characters, or take a walk. For splashing and playing, we recommend a trip to Hylliebadet. To make your stay even more special, how about a cosy hotel overnight stay? The family-friendly First Hotel Jörgen Kock is conveniently located near both the city centre and Malmö Central Station.

In Lund, Vattenhallen Science Center attracts with exciting experiments and shows for the whole family. At the Skissernas Museum, children can participate in creative workshops and try their hand at creating their own artworks. For outdoor activities, the Botanical Garden in Lund is a lovely place for a winter walk. Perhaps a visit to the greenhouses to warm up a little is in order? Another tip is to check out the Half-term Package at First Hotel Planetstaden, where you can enjoy a cosy hotel stay for the whole family with dinner, a spa visit, and a luxurious breakfast buffet.

Kalmar and Blekinge counties offer plenty of fun activities for children and families during the sports holiday!

In Kalmar, you can start by visiting Kalmar Castle, where exciting activities such as treasure hunts and crafts await. At the Kalmar County Museum, children can play and learn in the "Children's Construction" or participate in creative workshops.

In Karlskrona, a visit to the Maritime Museum is a must. Here, children can board a real submarine, take part in treasure hunts, and learn about life at sea. If you want an active indoor day, Busfabriken is a popular choice with obstacle courses and slides. For winter fun, NKT Arena is perfect for ice skating.

In Olofström, the beautiful nature of the Halen area invites sledging and cross-country skiing if there’s snow. At the Kreativum Science Centre, you can test creativity with the body and brain as tools. Here, several exciting and interactive activities are offered. Holjebadet offers water adventures with water slides, and at the library, children can engage in crafts and participate in storytimes.