As temperatures drop and waterways freeze over, outdoor adventure enthusiasts can lace up their skates in search of perfect ice skating spots. Finding the best place for wild or Nordic skating, which involves skating outdoors on naturally formed ice, is no easy feat — the ice has to be smooth, without impurities or a layer of snow on top yet thick enough to be safe to skate on (typically at least four inches). Remember to never skate alone, wear appropriate clothing and stay reasonably close to the shore. Here are a handful of destinations around the world where you can experience the thrill of wild ice skating.

Sweden

Widely regarded as one of the best places for wild skating, Sweden offers a variety of glassy frozen lakes suited for skaters of all levels. If you can bear the harsh temperatures, take a chance and venture closer to the Arctic Circle, where you may also be rewarded with witnessing the twinkling green and blue shades of the Northern Lights.

If you’re not ready to venture to the Arctic, you can enjoy wild skating just 30 miles outside the capital, Stockholm — Lake Mälaren freezes over between November and April. Travellers are welcome to self-guide themselves, but can also book a tour through Green Trails, one of several companies offering guided skating trips across Sweden’s frozen lakes, starting at SEK 1650 (£120).

Lake Placid, US

Five hours from NYC and only two hours from Montreal, Mirror Lake in Lake Placid is especially good for beginner skaters looking for a laid-back and serene scenery. The two-time Winter Olympic Games host town allows visitors to skate on a two-mile-long ice track 24/7 when it reaches a safe thickness, which usually happens around mid-December.

While you’re at it, venture outside the area and explore one of the other 3,000 lakes and ponds hidden in the Adirondack mountains. Skaters can guide themselves at their own pace, but anyone wanting a more structured hiking or snow sport experience can book through Guide ADK, with tours starting at $200 (£164).