Ice Skating in Austria
At an urban ice rink, on the lake or amidst nature
Ice skating on a lake - oh, so romantic!
Austria's natural ice rinks are magical! Do your laps outdoors on the frozen lakes, the ice gentle crunching under your blades, while you are marveling at your surroundings, be it the snow-covered meadows or the mountain peaks. Ice skating in Austria's nature is a not to be missed experience. Most of the natural ice rinks have nearby parking lots, making it easy to reach them, plus benches where you can put on your skates. Find some of the best natural ice skating spots in Austria below.
Ice rinks in the city
Skating at night in spectacular lighting, accompanied by music, indoor ice rinks, or ice skating during summertime - many Austrian cities have upped their game when it comes to skating on urban ice rinks.
The Vienna Ice Dream is an institution. Every year from January to March, the square in front of Vienna's City Hall turns into an over 9,000 m² (96.875 sq ft) large ice rink, a paradise for skating fans. There are four large ice rinks and paths winding through the romantically illuminated City Hall Park, the beautiful facades of the City Hall and the Burgtheater as a stunning backdrop. The "Sky-Rink", an ice skating rink on a "second floor", and accessible via a ramp, is unique in the world. Punch and tea will warm you up before and after your laps, while numerous outdoor vendors and the caterers at the rustic alpine hut will spoil you with culinary delicacies, mainly from Austria. In the evening, the entire square is transformed into a colourful sea of lights. The mirror-smooth rink is open seven days a week.
Ice skating in the city
Attention!
Before you start doing your laps, always make sure it's safe to walk and skate on the natural ice rinks. Check the lakes' websites for information or call the local tourist office in the region. If there is no information available, skating is always at your own risk.
Ice skating in Carinthia
Ice skating on Lower Austria's lakes
Ice skating in SalzburgerLand
Lake Neusiedler See in Burgenland: One of the most magical natural ice rinks in Central Europe
Ice skating in Upper Austria's nature
Ice skating in Tirol
Ice skating in Styria
Sustainability tips
Lakes are important habitats for animals and plants and are therefore particularly protected in Austria. A healthy lake system supports biodiversity and helps sustain fish and other aquatic life. This is what we do to look after our lakes:
We observe the designated protection zones for plants and animals.
We don't leave any rubbish on or around the lake.
We do not use the lake or the lakeshore as a toilet.
We do not feed fish or birds. Leftover food creates unnecessary nutrients.