Eislaufen

Ice Skating in Austria
At an Urban Ice Rink, on the Lake, or Surrounded by Nature

Ice skating in Austria is a memorable winter experience. In the city or on a frozen lake – glide on the ice and enjoy a day out with friends!

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

Lake Lunzer See

The mountaineering village of Lunz am See in the southwestern part of Lower Austria is home to the largest natural ice rink in the region, perfect for all ages. To make skating safe, the temperature must fall well below freezing for several days. When the time comes, 68 hectares of natural ice are available. If you don’t have your own ice skates, you can rent them at the nearby inn. Check their blog for information on ice conditions and weather.

Moorbad Schrems

The Waldviertel region in Lower Austria is blessed with winter temperatures below averages, meaning its small, beautiful lakes will most certainly freeze during wintertime. The Moorbad in Schrems (a natural swimming pool) makes use of the healing water from the nearby high moor in summer, while, in winter it turns into a free ice skating rink.

Lake Erlaufsee

Lake Erlaufsee is partly in Lower Austria and partly in Styria. Due to its shady location, it regularly freezes over in winter and makes a great place for all sorts of ice sports - including ice diving for those particularly adventurous. Please note: The natural ice surface is not looked after, cleared of snow or smoothed. Anyone walking or skating on the lake does so at their own risk!

Ice Skating in SalzburgerLand

Ice Skating on Lake Neusiedl

Lake Neusiedler See in Burgenland: One of the Most Enchanting Natural Ice Rinks in Central Europ

Ice Skating in Upper Austria's Nature

Ice Skating in Tirol

Ice Skating in Styria

Photo of the ski resort Lech am Arlberg at night

Ice Skating in Vorarlberg: Whether Romantic or Sporty, the Choice is Yours!

Ice Skating on Lake Neusiedl

Sustainability Tips

What's important to note when skating on lakes?

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.

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