Best Ice Skating Spots Across Europe

What does winter make you think of? Christmas markets? Crisp, cold days with bright sunshine? Ice skating? If you visit Europe during the winter you have a choice of amazing outdoor ice rinks, from breath-taking natural lakes, to glistening ice rinks beneath grand city centre buildings. Read on to discover some of the best ice skating rinks in Europe this winter

1. Wiener Eistraum, Vienna

Wiener Eistraum translates as ‘ice dream’ and is the spectacular ice rink placed in Rathaus Platz, Vienna City Hall Square. The dreamy ice rink stretches over 9,000m² of ice and includes frosted skate ways through the park and trees, which lead to smaller rinks. When illuminated at night, it takes on a fairytale quality and the choice of food and drink stalls selling authentic Austrian fare means you can spend the entire evening enjoying the icy wonderland.

2. ICE Amsterdam

Historically winters have been so cold in Amsterdam that it has been possible to skate on the frozen canals. However, this is now the stuff of myth and it hasn’t been cold enough to do that in over 20 years. Not to worry though, ICE Amsterdam provides a huge outdoor ice rink in Museumplein. Get your skates on and glide through the ice surrounded by world class galleries and museums.

3. Hôtel de Ville, Paris

There’s an abundance of outdoor ice rinks across Paris during the winter, including one beneath the Eiffel Tower and a rooftop rink at La Grande Arche in La Défense. However, the ice rink located beneath the 19^th century Hôtel de Ville, provides a picturesque place to practice your pirouettes. Its city centre location means it’s surrounded by eateries and boutiques so you can enjoy some retail therapy after spending time on the ice.

4. Munich Ice Magic

The Bavarian city is a fantastic place to visit during the winter, with it’s warming food, historical landmarks and its Christmas markets. As the temperatures drop, get wrapped up and head to Munich Ice Magic, the city’s largest open-air ice rink held at Karlplatz Stachus, the city’s attractive 18th century square.  It’s great for families, and nervous skaters can learn with the help of bear figurine guides. At night it comes alive with music and light shows making it a great place for an evening out with a difference.

5. Lake Jura, Switzerland

 During the winter, Lake Jura offers some of the best natural ice skating in the world. Skate over the frozen lake surrounded by the majestic mountains and snow-capped pine trees and immerse yourself in the wintry wonderland. Ensure you take note of signage and safety warnings – because it’s a natural ice rink, it can change quickly so it is important to stay safe while enjoying the natural wonder of the area.

6. Aalborg, Denmark

The university town is home to a medieval centre with half-timbered buildings. Enjoy some ice skating in C.W Obels Square in the centre of the town which is surrounded by the characterful facades of historic houses which make you think of a Dickens novel. When you need to warm up afterwards, the rink is surrounded by some of the best cafes in Aalborg. Head there for a hot chocolate and a sweet treat, the perfect way to end an afternoon on the ice.
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DFDS run regular routes across Europe, including from Newcastle to Amsterdam, Dover to France and Copenhagen to Oslo. Find out more here.