The Best Outdoor Ice Rinks in Europe

1. Strasbourg Christmas Market Ice Rink, Strasbourg

We compiled a list of eight of our favourite ice rinks in Europe, and Strasbourg Christmas Market Ice Rink took the number one spot. Visit Strasbourg at Christmas to experience one of Europe’s best festive destinations. Strasbourg is often called the capital of Christmas, and it’s easy to see why! Head to the city for traditional Christmas market stalls, carolers, twinkling fairy lights and, of course, an ice rink. 

The ice rink is located in the Place Kléber, with a huge Christmas tree at its centre. Skate during the day to admire the architecture in the square, or visit at nighttime for a magical experience beneath the Christmas lights. The rink is open from late November to late December, so don’t miss your chance to embrace the holiday season in Strasbourg.  

TOP PICK: Strasbourg Christmas Market by Night with Mulled Wine 

2. Ice Amsterdam, Amsterdam 

Visit Amsterdam’s famous Museumplein to see it transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with an outdoor ice rink. Ice Amsterdam is held in Museum Square, where you can enjoy a skate in the shadow of the Rijksmuseum. The cosy rink is decorated with sparkling lights and surrounded by market stalls, which gives it an authentic festive atmosphere.  

The ice rink is open from mid-November to early February, so there’s plenty of chance to skate in the Museumplein over the winter. Tickets start from €7,50, with skate rental available. 

TOP PICK: Amsterdam Christmas Market Photo Shoot 

3. Ice Rink at the Neptune Fountain, Berlin

Visit the Christmas market outside Berlin City Hall to skate around one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The ice rink is located in Alexanderplatz, in the heart of Berlin, and surrounds the famous Neptune Fountain for a unique skate among the city’s best sights. 

After you’re finished on the ice, head to one of the nearby heated taverns to warm up with a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine). Tickets for the ice rink cost €5, with an extra €3 fee if you need to rent some skates. 

TOP PICK: Berlin Christmas Markets Tour

4. Munich Eiszauber, Munich 

Munich Eiszauber, or Munich Ice Magic, is the city’s biggest outdoor ice rink. If you’re planning a trip to Munich between November and January, make sure to visit this ice rink in the heart of the shopping district. Head there at nighttime to enjoy a skate under the stars, surrounded by Christmas lights and lively music. 

If you’re not keen on skating, visit the Schmankerl-Hütte and the Glühwein-Alm to grab some food and a glass of mulled wine as you soak up the atmosphere from the side of the rink. Book your timeslot in advance for up to €11 per adult and hire skates and a helmet before you take to the ice. 

TOP PICK: Munich Christmas Markets Tour in a Vintage Volkswagen Bus 

5. EisArena Hamburg, Hamburg 

EisArena in Hamburg is Germany’s largest outdoor ice rink. Situated in the middle of the Planten un Blomen park, discover an expansive rink that’s bigger than three ice hockey fields. If you’re unsteady on your skates, grab a handy penguin to help your balance, or visit the rink on a Wednesday for a fun training session. Take your own skates or rent a pair for €6. 

TOP PICK: Hamburg Private Christmas Market Tour with a Local 

6. Patinoire de Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Paris 

Make unforgettable memories during a Christmas trip to Paris with a visit to the ice rink at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville. This skating spot is a favourite among tourists and locals alike, thanks to its beautiful setting in a stunning square. Skate here to be fully immersed in Parisian culture and history in a Christmassy setting that’s hard to beat. 

Entry to the rink is free, but you can pay to hire some skates. Looking for more ways to spend time in Paris this Christmas? Explore our guide to everything you can see and do at the Paris Christmas markets.  

TOP PICK: Christmas Lunch at Eiffel Tower with Panoramic Views 

7. Heinzels Winter Fairytale, Cologne 

None of Germany’s Christmas markets offer the same magic as Heinzels Winter Fairytale; a market and outdoor ice rink that embraces the fairytales of the Heinzelmännchen, Cologne’s friendly elves. Wander through the stalls in the Alter Markt and the Heumarkt to discover a range of traditional goodies, and finish your visit with a skate on the ice rink. 

The ice rink is only open from late November to early January, so take the opportunity to skate during your Christmas break in Cologne. Admission to the market is free, but you need to buy a ticket to skate. Prices start from €7,50, with an additional charge to rent some skates. 

TOP PICK: Cologne Mulled Wine Tour by Rickshaw 

8. Winter Wonders Ice Rink, Brussels 

Brussels is one of Belgium’s top Christmas destinations, so visit during the festive period to enjoy the markets and ice rink at Winter Wonders. Head to the Grand-Place in the city centre to see the captivating lights and the fully decorated Christmas tree that makes the perfect centrepiece for a festive skate. 

There are also over 200 market stalls to explore around the rink, so you can indulge in local delicacies like Belgian chocolate and waffles after you’ve worked up an appetite on the ice. Admission for adults is €10 per person, with skate rental included in the price. 

TOP PICK: Christmas Gems of Brussels – Walking Tour 

Natural ice rinks in Europe 

Looking for something more adventurous? Pay a visit to one of the many lakes and large ponds that freeze over completely and turn into ice rinks during winter! You can head to a natural ice rink with your skates to connect with nature against picturesque backdrops.  

Natural rinks are often more spacious than manmade rinks, but they can be equally as safe, and some even have instructors on hand to help you improve your skills. From frozen canals to frozen lakes nestled in the Alps, here are our top five natural ice rinks to visit in Europe:  

1. Nymphenburg Palace Canal, Munich 

2. Schwarzsee, Fribourg  

3. Lake Weissensee, Weissensee 

4. I.C.E. St. Moritz, St. Moritz 

5. Eibsee, Garmisch-Partenkirchen 

The Internet’s Favourite Outdoor Ice Rinks

Discover Europe’s top 10 outdoor ice rinks, according to the Internet! We looked at 75 natural and artificial outdoor ice rinks in Europe, found the average number of Google searches for each from December to February, and determined which were most popular.  

Outdoor ice rinks:

Natural ice rinks: