Explore Arvika

Winter in Arvika

5 minutes read

Photo:

Erik Andersson

Winter in Arvika

Put on your skis and glide across the snow at Byamossarna, or race down our wonderful ski slope in Rackstad. Skate on our lakes and maintained ice rinks, or embark on a snowmobile safari through the beautiful wilderness.

Explore nature on skis

On skis you can explore nature at your own pace along well-maintained trails at various locations in Arvika Municipality.

A particularly popular area with a character thats reminds of the Swedish “fjäll” is the Byamossarna Nature Reserve, located between Mangskog and Gunnarskog. A network of excellent trails takes you through stunning nature, and during a break at the Bytorpet rest cabin, you can enjoy your packed lunch.
There are several areas where both the municipality and dedicated associations/individuals prepare ski trails when there is sufficient snow. Information about different areas and current trail conditions can conveniently be found at www.skidspar.se.
At the sports field in Vik, there is a 3.5 km long ski trail with artificial snow, offering great skiing even on less snowy winter days.

If you prefer gliding downhill on skis or a snowboard, you should try Rackstadbacken, located 5 km north of Arvika. It’s a great, varied slope with a fantastic view from the top, jumppark, sledging hill, BQ-area and café.

Guided Winter Tours in stunning wilderness

Join a professional guide from Outside Adventure Sweden for a guided ski tour after the sun has set. Experience the magic of winter while keeping an eye out for tracks of wolves, lynx, bears, and wolverines. Most of these animals are most active at night, making for an exciting and enchanting tour under the moonlight. You’ll spend the night in a tent or a traditional Finnish hut (finntorp) and cook meals together outdoors over an open fire. This tour, along with other sustainable and eco-friendly experiences, can be tailored to your wishes.

In addition to Outside Adventure Sweden, Vild-Vitlom in the Glaskogen Nature Reserve offers customized winter adventures. Set off on a guided snowshoe trek or a wildlife tracking hike, cook meals in the winter landscape, and explore the snowy wilderness with a professional guide for a personalized experience.

Fredros Gård, in northern Arvika, offers driving courses for snowmobiles and ATVs. The training includes:

  • Two days of instruction at Fredros Gård.
  • Both theoretical lessons and practical driving tests.
  • All training materials, equipment, vehicles, and the final exam.

Winter Bathing, Sauna, and Retreat – Calm Winter Luxury

Winter and sauna bathing offer a peaceful pause in nature – a moment to breathe, unwind, and recharge. The contrast between cold and warmth awakens the senses, calms the mind, and restores energy. Stepping into an icy winter bath and then letting your body be enveloped by the gentle warmth of the sauna is an experience that brings both presence and tranquility.

  • Arvika Canoe Center invites you to atmospheric sauna evenings every Wednesday, where warmth, community, and the opportunity for a winter swim create a memorable experience. The sauna can also be booked for private use, suitable for both individuals and groups.
  • At Sandvikengården, winter baths are offered several times during the season – perfect occasions to face the cold at a relaxed pace and in good company.
  • At Ingestrands Camping, a bookable relaxation area and sauna await, with the lake just steps away for those who want a refreshing dip.

Year-Round Retreats

Even during the winter months, you can retreat and find stillness through various retreats in Arvika. In serene settings, where winter slows the pace and nature frames the experience, there is time for rest, reflection, and renewed energy. Whether you prefer a longer retreat or shorter yoga sessions, peace, relaxation, and well-being are always the focus with our dedicated retreat providers.

Winter Joy on ice

Glide across the ice on any of our 365 lakes or on prepared ice rinks. With the right weather conditions, proper equipment, knowledge, and good company, there are many beautiful frozen waters waiting to be explored.

 Friluftsfrämjandet Arvika Sunne provides updates on ice conditions and tour suggestions. When conditions permit, they also organize guided ice skating tours on Arvika’s waterways. Snow-free ice rinks are available in Arvika Municipality, with several options to choose from in central Arvika and other local areas—some with lighting.Find information on municipal rinks and contact details at www.arvika.se, Other rinks are maintained by volunteers, such as the one at Brunskogs Hembygdsgårdor the rink in Klässbol.

Check Arvika Municipality’s Facebook page for current updates or contact us at the Tourist Office for assistance.

Ice Fishing – Winter Calm on the Line!

You can still catch fish – even in winter! Ice fishing is a calming activity enjoyed by many, and winter fishing is permitted in nearly all waters managed by Arvika’s Fishing Associations (FVOF) with a fishing permit. Check the current ice conditions with each FVOF. Permits are available at the Tourist Office.

Find a fishing guide booklet down below (Note: Prices may have changed since publication).

More activities

Activities for the whole family are available even on snow-free days. In Arvika, you’ll find sports facilities, museums, and one of Sweden’s oldest active cinemas.

  • Arvika Simhall – A newly renovated facility with diving boards, “Piratvika” for children with a slide, baby pools, and rehab pools.
  • Padel Arvika – Offers the best paddle tennis experience in a pleasant setting. Open year-round for all skill levels.
  • Bowling – Arvika Bowlinghall/Downstairs and O’Learys are both offering great lanes and food.
  • Filmhuset Palladium – Built in 1925, it’s one of Sweden’s oldest operating cinemas. Recently renovated, it blends modern amenities with historic charm. Equipped with Dolby 7.1 sound and 3D in both theaters.
  • Arvika Fordonsmuseum – A must for fans of vehicles, history, color and design.
  • Arvika Indoor Golf – A winter meeting place for all golfers. Here you’ll find three Trackman simulators in a spacious and welcoming venue in central Arvika.

Arvika Simhall

Arvika Fordonsmuseum

Looking for Accommodation?

No problem! Here are some cozy options for winter stays:

  • Fredros Gård and Tvällens Fritidsstugor – Cottages in a winter wonderland, near the Ski Sunne resort. Tvällen also offers hunting experiences.
  • Home Hotel Bristol – Central location with free Wi-Fi and a gym.
  • Glaskogen Apartments – Cosy holiday apartments in Glava, near the Glaskogen Nature Reserve.
  • Scandic Hotel – A charming, cozy hotel with a relaxation area and restaurant. Central location.
  • Go To Sleep – Modern and luxurious hostel accommodation in central Arvika, with optional meals, spa, and gym access.
  • Jennys – A mid-range hotel with lunch service in the city center.
  • Ingestrands Camping – Scenic lakeside location with cozy cabins, a renovated service house, and a sauna.
  • LifeStyleStay – Hotel and hostel nestled in beautiful nature in Brunskog.