Get out and about this winter

Nature offers plenty of opportunities for both relaxing and fast-paced, fun activities, even in winter. Here we’ve put together five great ideas for things to do this winter when it gets cold and the snow starts to fall!

Whizz down the sledge slope

Sledging isn’t just a fun activity for the whole family. It also provides good exercise and fresh air. All around Kalmar, there are slopes for young and old alike – steep and gentle, with or without lighting, barbecue facilities or windbreaks.

Find a good slope and see who can get to the bottom first!

Sled, snow racer, snow saucer sled, snow tube or snow mattress – which will you choose?

Psst... don't forget your helmet and a flask of hot chocolate!

Train gently on cross-country skis

Become one with nature as you glide past snow-covered oak trees in the nature reserve at Värsnäs, along the ice-covered Kalmarsund at Stensö headland, or between the dams in the Skärgårdsparken outdoor recreation area.

If there is enough snow, with a depth of at least 10 cm, cross-country ski tracks are prepared on the exercise trails in Värsnäs and in Skärgårdsparken. You can also make your own tracks. Adjust the difficulty yourself by choosing your pace, terrain and distance.

Cross-country skiing is just as suitable for the enthusiastic beginner who wants to enjoy the peace and quiet of a Sunday outing at a leisurely pace as it is for the fitness enthusiast looking to push their limits. Fun for both adults and children.

Tip! Choose your kit based on your experience. When you're starting out, it's a good idea to borrow or hire equipment. Dress in layers so you can adjust as you get warmer or cooler. Don't forget to stay hydrated and refuel.

Glide along on skates

When the cold sets in and the ice thickens, it’s a real treat to head out into the bays and along the coastline of Kalmarsund.

The shallow pond closest to Naturens hus in Skärgårdsparken freezes quickly, making it possible to skate on safer natural ice. When the weather is cold enough, several natural ice rinks are flooded by local clubs in towns and villages across the municipality during the winter. Adjacent to the schools in Tvärskog, Läckeby and Rockneby, there are outdoor rinks that are flooded when the weather permits.

So lace up your skates and glide out onto the ice, but remember that you always tread on natural ice at your own risk!

Safety is the top priority on the ice. Never go out alone! If you fall through the ice, there is little chance you will be able to get out on your own. Make sure you have the right knowledge and equipment before you set out. A rucksack containing an ice axe, a safety line, ice crampons and a flotation aid. A waterproof bag containing a change of clothes and a mobile phone.

Winter stroll in beautiful surroundings

There’s something special about going for a walk on a cold winter’s day when the snow lies thick and sparkling white. It’s as peaceful and relaxing as it is invigorating and refreshing. Whether you just want to pop out for a quick stroll around town, take a leisurely walk along the seafront or wander amongst snow-covered fir trees, it’s good to get out and make the most of the daylight hours.

Here you can find many lovely walking trails, circular walks and beautiful spots worth visiting in their winter finery.

Don't forget to dress for the weather and wear well-worn shoes or boots.

Eating outdoors

Eating out in winter doesn’t have to be a hassle; it can be both magical and cosy – as long as you do it the right way!

There are plenty of places suitable for a winter picnic, ranging from lively to quiet and peaceful, from nature spots close to the city to the coast or deep in the woods. With or without picnic tables, barbecues and windbreaks.

Here are some tips to make your winter meal warm, cosy and easy to enjoy.

• Light a barbecue or a camping stove, or bring hot food in a thermos flask – such as soup, stew, pasta or hot water for sausages.
• Hot apple juice, tea, coffee or hot chocolate are great for warming up.
• Avoid food that cools down quickly (such as salad) if you want to stay warm.
  

A children's favourite! - Classic stick bread (4–6 pieces)

• 4 dl wheat flour
• 2 tsk baking powder
• ½ tsk salt
• 2 msk rapeseed oil or butter
• 1,5–2 dl water (until the dough is smooth)

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add the oil/butter and water a little at a time. The dough should be smooth and not sticky.
3. Knead quickly and place in a bag or jar until you’re ready to use it.
4. Roll the dough into a long snake and wrap it around a clean stick (remove the bark first).
5. Grill over the embers, not in the flames, and slowly rotate the stick until the bread has taken on a nice colour and feels thoroughly cooked.
6. When the bread comes off the stick, it’s ready!

The best way to stay warm is to dress in layers. Wear wool next to your skin, a mid-layer on top, and a windproof layer on the outside. Warm shoes and dry socks are essential. A hat, scarf and gloves will keep you nice and warm. Don't forget a seat mat, and make sure you take your rubbish home with you.

Take a cold bath and a sauna

Few things are as refreshing as a dip in the big blue. More and more people are discovering how wonderful winter swimming – or cold-water swimming, as it is also known – can be. The cold water has a calming effect, and many report an improved sense of well-being. Large doses of endorphins, equivalent to a 20-minute run, are released during winter swimming, and the effect lasts for several hours. It’s also a fun way to meet like-minded people.

To make this possible, the ladders are left in the water at several bathing spots around the municipality as long as the ice doesn’t get too thick. As soon as the ice disappears, the ladders are put back.

After a swim, it’s lovely to slowly warm up your body with a hot sauna. The heat from the sauna doesn’t just provide a pleasant sense of relaxation. It can also relieve pain, benefit the respiratory system and lower blood pressure. Studies also show that people who use the sauna regularly are happier.

You can find a sauna here;

• Norrlidsbastun
• Långviksbastun
• Nya Ekenäs bastu

Remember never to go winter swimming alone. Take care if you are pregnant or have a heart or circulatory condition. Avoid cold baths and saunas if you feel unwell. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and don’t sit for too long without taking a break.

On the map, we have marked some of the bathing spots, exercise trails, walking paths, barbecue areas, ice rinks, and sledging hills that can be found throughout the municipality. Search here for a complete selection of what you are interested in.

On the map, we have marked some of the swimming spots, exercise trails, walking routes, barbecue areas, ice rinks and sledge slopes that can be found throughout the municipality. Search here for a full list of what you’re interested in.

You do know that you can borrow sports and outdoor equipment for free from Fritidsbanken, don’t you?