Fritidsbanken: What Is It? Why Should You Care?

One thing I’ve come to appreciate about living in Sweden is how easy it is to be active. Whether it’s winter or summer, there’s always something happening outside: skiing, hiking, biking, camping, skating… you name it. And one of the coolest things I’ve discovered that helps make this lifestyle accessible, especially for students, is something called Fritidsbanken.

So, what is it?

It’s basically a library for sports and outdoor equipment. But instead of borrowing books, you borrow things like skis, ice skates, tents, footballs, bikes, life jackets, and more. And the best part? It’s completely free.You can borrow equipment for up to 14 days, and you can even extend the loan if no one else has reserved it. There are no costs, no membership, and no deposit required. All you need to do is fill out a small form and show your ID. That’s it!

Perfect for Trying New Things

When I tried ice skating for the first time, I didn’t want to buy a pair of skates straight away. I wasn’t even sure if I’d like it—or if I’d just fall flat on my face. So I borrowed a pair from Fritidsbanken and gave it a go. And yes, I fell. A lot. But it was such a fun experience and something I never imagined myself doing before moving to Sweden. Coming from a country like Sri Lanka, where we don’t exactly have frozen lakes, this kind of opportunity felt pretty special.

And even better—our student union in Skövde sometimes collaborates with Fritidsbanken too. Last winter, we had an event where we went ice sledding (called “polka” here) on a snowy hill nearby. Thanks to Fritidsbanken, we were able to borrow a whole bunch of sleds for free.

Continue the Sports You Love from Back Home

If you’ve played a sport back home that needs specific gear—like tennis, floorball, or even skiing—but couldn’t bring your equipment with you, this is a great solution. Instead of spending a lot of money replacing everything, you can just borrow what you need. I know people who have done this to keep up with the sports they love, without having to buy new gear just for their time here.

Yes, Sometimes Even Bicycles!

One of the first things I noticed when I arrived in Sweden was how common cycling is. From the moment I stepped out on my first day, I saw people biking everywhere—students on their way to class, parents with kids in bike trailers, even older people cycling to the grocery store. It’s such a normal part of daily life here, and most towns are built with great cycling paths that make it easy and safe to get around on two wheels.

One surprise I found is that some Fritidsbanken branches also lend out bicycles. I have friends, especially exchange students, who only stayed in Sweden for a few months and didn’t want to invest in buying a bike. Renting one from a shop was also expensive. But they were able to borrow a bike for free from Fritidsbanken and use it to get around town. It’s such a smart and sustainable solution, especially when you’re not staying for long.

What Can You Borrow?

The selection depends a little on each location, but in general, here’s what you might find when you walk into a Fritidsbanken:

• Winter Sports Gear: If you’re looking to enjoy the Swedish winter, you’ll often find ice skates, helmets, sleds, skis, snowboards, and even snowshoes. Perfect for skating on frozen lakes or joining a sledding event with friends.
• Team and Indoor Sports: They usually have footballs, floor-ball sticks, protective pads, goals, and even basketballs. Great if you want to gather your classmates for a match or join a local sports group.
• Camping and Outdoor Adventures: Many branches stock tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, gas stoves, and backpacks. This makes it easy to try out camping or go on a weekend hiking trip without spending money on equipment.
• Water Activities: Some locations offer life jackets, fishing rods, and occasionally paddle-boards or canoes—ideal for summer adventures by the lake.
• Bikes and Adaptive Equipment: A few branches also lend out bicycles, which is incredibly helpful if you’re only in Sweden for a short time. They also try to offer adaptive sports gear so that people with disabilities can access the same fun

Some of the bigger Fritidsbanken locations have over 6,000 items, and they’re always expanding their collections through generous donations from the public. So whether you’re into sports, nature, or just curious to try something new, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that suits you.

How to Use Fritidsbanken

It’s honestly super easy to use Fritidsbanken. Just go to their website at www.fritidsbanken.se and click on “Hitta din Fritidsbank” to find the branch closest to you. You can also check what kind of equipment they currently have in stock. Once you know what you want, head over, show your ID, fill out a quick form, and borrow your gear for free. Most branches are open several days a week, and many are located near schools, sports halls, or central parts of town. Fritidsbanken has locations all across Sweden, from the far north to the southern coast, and in both large cities and small communities.

One thing to keep in mind is that the online inventory might not always be completely accurate or up to date. If your nearest center is a bit of a journey, it’s a good idea to call them in advance and make sure the item you’re looking for is actually available. This small step can save you time and help you plan your visit more smoothly.

Want to Give Back?

Fritidsbanken runs completely on donated equipment. That means if you have any sports gear lying around that you don’t use anymore—maybe you’re moving, or just clearing space—you can donate it to help someone else enjoy it. You can drop things off at a Fritidsbanken branch or at specific recycling centers that accept sports donations.

Final Thoughts

Living in Sweden has opened up so many opportunities to try new things and stay active in ways I never expected. Fritidsbanken is one of those resources that I’ve found really helpful, especially as a student figuring things out in a new country. Whether you want to test out a winter sport, continue a hobby from back home, or borrow a bike for a short while, it’s such a smart and accessible option.

Going into the next academic year, one of my personal goals is to be more active and explore even more of what Sweden has to offer. I definitely plan to use Fritidsbanken more often as part of that. So before you spend money on gear, check out your local Fritidsbanken. Try something new. Get outdoors. Fall on the ice. Laugh. Repeat.