Trying ice sculpting in Sweden

Have you ever thought about trying ice sculpting as a fun winter activity? Probably not. Should you? DEFINITELY. Jazmin and I got to try it this winter and it was an unforgettable experience! Ice sculpting is a hands-on, creative experience that challenges you both physically and mentally. So, what makes ice sculpting such a great activity? Here is what we have discovered.

What is ice sculpting?

Ice sculpting is simply the art of shaping and carving ice into beautiful designs using specialised tools. It’s a popular activity in many places around the world, but in Sweden, it’s a particularly unique experience. With the country’s long, cold winters and rich tradition of artistic craftsmanship, ice sculpting has become a fun and creative way to enjoy the snowy season. We had the opportunity to try ice sculpting at an event this year and it was a great experience.

What makes ice sculpting so good?

From Jazmin’s perspective: It’s a bonding activity 🤝

The activity was done in pairs, and I was paired up with Ravi, a fellow ambassador from the blog team. We started by deciding what to sculpt. This was surprisingly tricky because it was our first time, and we weren’t sure how well we’d do. In the end, we went with something that seemed simple enough in theory – a snowman. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy at all!

Ice sculpting is tough! You have to battle the cold and use a lot of strength to carve through the ice. As we worked on our creation, we found ourselves getting more attached to it. We even started calling it names – first, it was R2D2, then BB-8. In the end, it turned into something more abstract, a piece of art rather than a recognisable figure. This activity is perfect for bonding with friends. It’s a hands-on project where you both work together and try your best to create something. I noticed other pairs doing the same, even referring to their creations as if they were their “children.” It’s a fun way to connect.

From Anna’s perspective: It gets your creative juices flowing… 🌊

I was working with my friend Chandara, you might have seen her on our Instagram. We decided to create a typical Swedish house or a cottage. I never realised that ice sculpting is a great way to boost creativity because it forces you to think differently. Since you’re working with a unique material that constantly changes, you have to adapt and find new solutions as you go. This makes the experience inspiring and engaging, helping you step out of your comfort zone and explore new ideas. Whether you’re following a plan or making adjustments along the way, the process itself encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.

From Jazmin’s perspective: It’s also stress-relieving!

Now, I know ice sculpting may not be the first thing you think of when you’re looking for a stress-relieving activity. Typically, when people are stressed, they want to punch something or release energy in other ways. But honestly, ice sculpting is a great option! You can hit the ice over and over with your sculpting tools, and it gives you that satisfying release of tension. While we were working, there was music playing in the background, which helped make the whole experience feel more relaxing for me. After a long day of studying or working, I would definitely choose ice sculpting if I had the chance – it’s a surprisingly effective way to unwind.

From Anna’s perspective: You get to celebrate imperfections ❤️

Unlike many other art forms, ice sculpting doesn’t require perfection. Mistakes happen, and rather than seeing them as failures, they become part of the final piece. You get to forget about perfectionism and focus on small gradual improvements. The focus is on progress rather than flawless results, which can be a refreshing mindset shift. This could be a valuable lesson to apply beyond this activity, whether in studies or everyday life. It’s a lot about learning to accept imperfections, adapt, and keep improving instead of getting stuck on unrealistic expectations.

What did the results look like?

I bet you’re very curious about how our sculptures turned out. As we said, they weren’t exactly masterpieces. Sculpting shapes in ice is much harder than it seems! But I think you can still kinda tell what it was supposed to be, right? Take a look at them!

If this kind of experience excites you, maybe you should check out one of the Swedish universities in the North – Luleå University and Umeå University!