From castle backdrops to illuminated ice trails, these outdoor skating spots bring a little extra magic to a European winter break.
Winter city breaks in Europe come with plenty of traditional favourites: Christmas markets, festive food and evenings spent exploring brightly decorated streets. But for active travellers keen to get moving between sightseeing stops, outdoor ice rinks offer another way to experience a destination.
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Across the continent every winter a host of grand courtyards, public squares and leafy parks become skating spots. Some sit beneath castle towers or beside landmark museums, while others form part of festive markets and winter wonderlands, with hot drinks and something sweet to enjoy when not on the ice.
Here are some of the best outdoor ice rinks to build into a European getaway this winter season.
European ice rinks to visit this winter
Dolder Open-Air Ice Rink, Zurich, Switzerland
Opened in 1930, the Dolder rink offers 6,000 square metres of ice in the wooded Dolderwald area. Its spacious setting makes it an appealing alternative to the smaller festive rinks found in city squares. Open now until 7 March 2027.
Museumplein Ice Rink, Amsterdam, Netherlands
With the Rijksmuseum as its backdrop, Museumplein’s seasonal rink brings skating to the heart of Amsterdam’s museum district. Visitors can combine time on the ice with cultural sightseeing and warming drinks beside the rink. Open until 16 January 2027.
Skate at Somerset House, London, UK
Set in the courtyard of Somerset House, this festive favourite combines skating with a grand architectural setting, a Christmas tree and evening DJ sessions. It is one of London’s best-known seasonal attractions. Open from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, closed on Christmas Day.
Wiener Eistraum, Vienna, Austria
Vienna Ice World transforms Rathausplatz and the surrounding park into a sprawling skating playground. The illuminated trails winding between the trees and the backdrop of City Hall make it a distinctive winter experience. The main Wiener Eistraum runs from 22 January to 7 March 2027. The smaller Christmas-market skating attraction operates from 13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, closed on New Year’s Eve.
Münchner Eiszauber, Munich, Germany
Munich’s seasonal rink brings open-air skating to Karlsplatz, better known as Stachus. Music, themed skating sessions and huts serving Bavarian food and mulled wine make it a lively addition to a winter visit. Open from 13 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Kungsträdgården Ice Rink, Stockholm, Sweden
This central Stockholm rink is a winter fixture in one of the city’s best-known parks. Surrounded by city lights, it offers an accessible introduction to Sweden’s skating culture without leaving the capital’s centre. Scheduled to reopen in mid-November.
Városligeti Műjégpálya, Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink offers skating against the backdrop of Vajdahunyad Castle. Operating since 1870, it is one of Europe’s most historic outdoor rinks and a classic stop on a winter city break. Scheduled to open from 20 November 2026.
Heinzels Winter Fairytale Ice Rink, Cologne, Germany
The rink at Heumarkt is a highlight of Cologne’s old-town Christmas celebrations. Visitors can combine skating with the themed lanes, craft stalls and festive food of the surrounding Heinzels Winter Fairytale market. Open from 23 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, closed on 24 and 25 December.
Neptunbrunnen Ice Rink, Berlin, Germany
Skaters circle the Neptune Fountain beside Berlin’s Rotes Rathaus at this Christmas-market rink. A Ferris wheel, historic-style market stalls and warming winter food add to the festive atmosphere. Open from 23 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, as part of Berliner Weihnachtszeit; closed on Christmas Eve.
Spikersuppa Ice Rink, Oslo, Norway
Close to Karl Johans gate and the National Theatre, Spikersuppa places outdoor skating at the heart of Oslo. Its central location makes it easy to include in a day exploring the Norwegian capital. Opens on 28 November 2026.
Kongens Nytorv Ice Rink, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Kongens Nytorv offers skating around the equestrian statue of Christian V, surrounded by landmarks including the Royal Theatre and Hotel d’Angleterre. The 1,300-square-metre rink puts visitors at the heart of the Danish capital, with nearby festive stalls serving hot chocolate and gløgg – Danish mulled wine. Scheduled to open in November 2026.
The Arena, Pula, Croatia
Pula’s 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre provides an extraordinary setting for a winter skate. During Advent, the iconic Arena hosts an outdoor ice rink, with festive illuminations adding sparkle to its ancient stone arches. Open from 5 December 2026.
