9 rules for safe ice skating

First and foremost: safe ice skating is of paramount importance when venturing out in the great outdoors. There’s a reason the saying goes, ‘On thin ice.’ Together with Salten Outdoor Council, we’ve compiled some valuable advice to take seriously before embarking on your ice skating adventure.

Ensure the ice is at least 10 cm thick. This is the standard rule for safe ice. Ice on water always has cracks, which you should keep an eye on to assess thickness (the most dangerous ice is the one without cracks). If you’re uncertain, carry a small ice axe and strike it ahead of you to test the ice (this prevents the ice from breaking around you). If you’re sure the ice is at least 10 cm thick, it’s safe..
Check ice warnings on nve.no for the latest updates for the entire country.
Never go alone; skate with others while maintaining some distance. It’s a good practice to have the most experienced or heaviest person leading the way.
Carry ice picks around your neck, which you can use to pull yourself out in case of an accident. These are available at sports stores for a reasonable price.
Bring a throw line (a rope with a floating device) in case you need to help a friend out of the ice.
Pack extra clothing in a waterproof bag.
Protect your mobile phone by placing it in a waterproof bag if it’s not waterproof itself.
If you fall through the ice, the rule without exception is to move back the way you came when pulling yourself back up.
Wear a helmet.
Bring a headlamp in case it gets dark.

Consider These Factors When Choosing Your Skating Ice/Water

Shallow and small waters freeze first, while large and deep waters freeze last.
Areas prone to strong winds tend to have poorer and less safe ice.
High-altitude waters freeze before those in lowland areas and those far out along the coast.
To find the best skating ice, seek locations that have frozen at a time when conditions were favorable (calm weather with no precipitation), and where snow and slush haven’t spoiled the ice after it formed.”

Here, you can go ice skating in Bodø & Salten

Places to go skating

For hockey, play, and dancing on the ice, all bodies of water can be suitable. The key is to find one nearby with good and safe ice conditions. Do your research and make sure the ice is at least 10 cm thick before heading out on your trip.

Here are some suggestions for easily accessible locations:

Svartvatnet next to Keiservarden (Bodø)
Vatnvatnet (Bodø)
Skarvatnet (Bodø)
Soløyvannet (Bodø)
Frosktjønna (Bodø)
Yttervatnet (Misvær) – Here, you can enjoy a hot chocolate at Arctic Cabins afterward.
Botnvatnet (Saltdal)
Jensvatnet (Hamarøy)
Kallstadvatnet (Hamarøy)
Brennvikvatnet (Hamarøy)
Spildervassdraget (Meløy)
Markvatnet (Meløy)
Skilvatnet and surrounding waters (Hamarøy)
Fjærevassdraget at Kjerringøy (Bodø)
Kilvatnet (Hamarøy)
Horndalsvatnet (Sørfold)

Skate hiking

Skating adventures offer a unique perspective of the landscape. Places that are hard to reach on foot suddenly become easily accessible, and if you’re comfortable on skates, you can cover more ground at a faster pace than you would on a regular hike.

For these kinds of trips, large bodies of water, meandering waterways, and connecting bodies of water via rivers or short walks between especially beautiful spots are perfect. When planning such trips, it’s essential to be vigilant when conditions are favorable.

(Please be aware of ice thickness (minimum 10 cm) and quality at various locations at the time of your trip.)

One of the finest skating journeys in Salten, and possibly the country, according to Salten Outdoor Council, is from Straumfjorden through Straumfjordvatnet, Storvatnet, and Forsanvatnet to Forsan (Steigen).
Vatnvatnet – Sørfjorden (Bodø)
Svartvatnet – Steigtindvatnet (Bodø)
Varpvassdraget – Drag (Hamarøy)

Ice Rinks

If you’re less experienced and don’t feel comfortable on frozen lakes, there’s no need to worry. There are also completely safe ice rinks where you can have fun: