The 7 Best Places for Ice Skating in Europe

Ice skating is a favourite winter activity across the world, and Europe has one of the best collections of ice rinks, whether man-made or natural. From vast frozen lakes to winter wonderlands and indoor rinks, Europe is a hotspot for skating, whether professional or amateur. While it’s more commonly enjoyed in wintertime or near Christmas, ice skating can also be enjoyed all year round. 

With such a large collection of ice rinks across Europe, it can be hard to know where to find the best one or where to even start. Here are the 7 best places to go ice skating in Europe.

Where are the best places to ice skate in Europe?

7. Museumplein Ice Rink – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located in Amsterdam’s most iconic square, the Museumplein, this seasonal ice rink is one of Amsterdam’s most prized possessions. Each year, from November to February, this rink transforms the square into a winter wonderland, seeing hundreds of amateur and first-time skaters take to the ice. 

Combined with various Christmas and winter-themed activities like Christmas markets, pop-up restaurants and of course, a visit to the nearby Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, the ice rink is the perfect winter activity for people of all ages to enjoy. You really don’t need to be a professional to brave the ice, as it caters to both beginners and advanced skating enthusiasts. 

6. Spikersuppa Rink – Oslo, Norway

November to March in Norway is the coldest time of year, and with the cold snap comes the beginning of winter-themed activities. One of Oslo’s best-loved winter attractions is the Spikersuppa Ice Rink, which is normally open all winter and is free to all — bear in mind that the ice rink is free, but if you intend to hire skates, it will cost around 200 NOK (Norwegian krone). 

When night falls, the area surrounding the rink is set alight with colour, adding to the festive feel and creating a cosy and intimate setting. It’s one of the best things to do in the city, and the perfect way to celebrate the festive season and embrace Norway’s harsh winter. 

5. Old Town Ice Rink – Warsaw, Poland

Surrounded by quaint, narrow colourful houses, this circular seasonal ice rink is a highlight of winter in the Polish capital. Make an experience out of skating with the nearby street food stalls, or simply skate til your heart’s content and enjoy the lights and chatter.

With various ice rinks across the city, both indoor and outdoor, you don’t have to wait til the temperatures drop to experience ice skating. Expected to return in 2025 from November to January, it’s nearly time to get your skates on once again. Entry to the rink is free if you own your own skates, but if you want to rent a pair, the cost is approximately 10 zł. 

4. Somerset House Ice Rink – London, UK

Across London, outdoor ice rinks are beginning to take shape for the upcoming season, and one of the most beloved is Somerset House’s version. While skating may be the primary attraction here at this time of year, it’s not the only attraction, as the rink is surrounded by pop-up restaurants and food stalls akin to a mini makeshift Christmas market. 

Each year, at the beginning of the festive period, Somerset House truly puts on a dazzling show to entertain its guests, making this ice rink London’s most iconic. Christmas and New Year in London is not one to miss, and Somerset House’s ice rink is certainly a testament to that. 

3. Vienna Ice Dream – Vienna, Austria

One of Europe’s largest ice rinks, Vienna’s Ice Dream or Wiener Eistraum, gets both locals and tourists excited each year. Whether you want to brave the ice for the first time, practice your figure-skating skills, or skate hand in hand with your partner or child, you’ll find that this rink perfectly caters to all. 

It also offers free skating sessions for school kids, helping to get them excited about the upcoming festive season. Vienna and Austria as a whole sure know a thing or two about making winter special, with its Alpine ski resorts and snowy mountain villages, and this ice skating complex certainly attests to that. 

2. Lac de Joux, Switzerland

One of Europe’s largest entirely natural ice rinks, Lake de Joux, gives a whole new skating experience truly like no other. Every winter, between December and February, the lake freezes over with a thick layer of ice, creating a natural ice rink that attracts hundreds, if not thousands, of skaters each year. 

Deep in the Jura Valley, during summer, the lake is a popular boating and watersports destination, not to mention a picturesque photography subject. Still, in winter it’s a whole different story. As the temperatures drop, Lac de Joux transforms into a snowy and wintry oasis, attracting winter lovers, Christmas enthusiasts, and avid skaters. 

1. City Park Ice Rink – Budapest, Hungary

Now we come to number one, which is Europe’s largest ice rink and certainly one of the continent’s most iconic. With around 12,000 square metres of ice, it’s no wonder the Hungarian capital’s resident ice rink is Europe’s biggest and one of the most-visited. 

In the summer, the ice melts into a lake that is popular for watersports and boating activities. But the site truly comes alive in winter, providing the perfect frozen paradise to practice skating, whichever level you’re working at.