This winter, the archipelago in Östergötland, Sweden, has offered a unique experience for many long-distance skaters. They have been able to travel from Gryt's outer archipelago to Lindö in Norrköping on the same smooth ice, which is a rare opportunity. Johan Zackrisson, a member of Linköping's Long-Distance Skating Club, says it is very odd to have such large areas of smooth ice.
Recently, it has been unusually cold across Sweden, with January and February not being this cold since 2010, according to SMHI. Combined with relatively little wind, the cold temperatures have allowed ice to form far out in the Östergötland archipelago. Zackrisson explains that ice forms in Bråviken almost every year, but it stretching so far out is not as common.
It is very odd to have such large areas of smooth ice.
This week, he skated from Gryt all the way into central Norrköping, a distance of up to ten miles. He notes this is unique, happening perhaps every ten or fifteen years. Long-distance skating can be enjoyable and good exercise, but it also carries some risk of accidents.
Zackrisson emphasizes the importance of knowledge, equipment, and company for safety. Despite warmer temperatures expected this week, the skating season is not over for the year, as the time with the most ice typically occurs in early March, offering hope for several more weeks of skating.
Ice forms in Bråviken almost every year, but it stretching so far out is not as common.
This is unique, happening perhaps every ten or fifteen years.
He emphasizes the importance of knowledge, equipment, and company for safety.