6 of the most beautiful natural ice rinks to visit around the world this winter
From alpine lakes to city canals, these are the spots to add to your bucketlist
While winter won’t officially be here for another month, the dark nights are drawing in and we’re already dreaming of our next snowy escape.
Nothing says winter like donning your big coat and taking to an outdoor ice rink, and if you’re planning on booking a trip to do just that, here’s where you need to be heading.
1. Lake Weissensee, Austria
Found within Carinthia among the Gailtal Alps, Lake Weissensee begins to freeze over at the end of November, allowing skaters to take to the ice between mid-December and the beginning of March. The ice can be up to 40cm thick, and it’s maintained by an ‘ice master’ so the surface is perfectly smooth. Skaters can explore 25km worth of ice rinks, or head to the 400m speed skating rink. Other winter activities you can try include curling, hockey and ice fishing.
More information: weissensee.com
Read next: The best things to do in Carinthia, Austria’s hidden gem
2. Luleå, Sweden
Unsurprisingly, Swedish Lapland is a great place to go ice skating in the winter. In Luleå you can take to the ice track, which is usually around 10km long. The ice is polished, so you can use regular skates as well as long-distance ones, and there are benches along the way for if you get too tired. The track only opens when the ice is thick enough, so keep an eye on the track’s Facebook page for updates.
More information: facebook.com/Luleaisbana
Read next: Beyond the auroral zone: Discovering the best of Swedish Lapland while hunting the northern lights
3. Ottawa Rideau Canal, Canada
The world’s largest naturally frozen rink, you can skate along 7.8km of Ottawa Rideau Canal each winter. Typically open between January and early March, you can rent skates, or walk along the edges away from the skaters if you’re not that confident on the ice.
More information: rideaucanalskateway.com
Read next: Our guide to exploring Canada in winter
4. Nymphenburg Palace Canal, Munich, Germany
Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace Canal is a popular spot for ice skating in the winter months. There will signs by the side of the canal if the ice is thick enough for skating, but as there are no rental facilities, you’ll need to bring your own skates.
More information: munich.travel
Read next: Frohe Weihnachten! Germany’s top 10 Christmas markets
5. Keystone Lake, Colorado, USA
Over in the USA, Colorado’s Keystone Lake is generally open from early December until the end of February. Covering five acres, the lake is one of the largest maintained rinks around the world, and you’ll be able to rent skates, pull sleds and hockey gear.
More information: keystoneresort.com
Read next: Byway to the skies: A Colorado Rocky Mountain road trip
6. Lake Akan, Hokkaido, Japan
Found on Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Lake Akan typically freezes over between January and March. Here, you can rent ice skates and snow buggies or try ice fishing. If you’re a fireworks fan, don’t miss the Lake Akan Ice Festival, held nightly from mid-February.
More information: japan.travel
Read next: Exploring undiscovered Eastern Hokkaido
