Dimitri BurkhardThe last time Lake Zürich was frozen over was in February of 1963.
But it does not take such a monumental event in order to ice skate in Zürich. There are several indoor and open air ice rinks, some natural and others artificial. For many of the ponds and smaller lakes to freeze over, however, lengthy periods of subzero temperatures are required. This is a listing of most ice rinks accessible from Zürich, but it is up to you to check beforehand whether ice skating is possible at the time of your reading.
Europe’s largest open air ice rink at Dolder
Ever since the 1930’s, the Dolder ice rink has been attracting generations of Zürichers every winter. Its location high above the city makes it for a popular date, too. For those coming from Zürich, it is easiest to access the ice rink by hopping on the Dolderbahn at the Römerhof tram stop.
More information:
– Opening times: Mon to Sat from 9 AM to 10:30 PM, Sun from 9 AM – 5:45 PM
– Skate rentals and lockers available
(Photography copyright ZVV)
Heuried
The ice rinks at Heuried have been renovated in 2017 to meet sustainable standards. The indoor rink is now available during ten months of the year, altough it is reserved for clubs during most of the time. For the public, there is an outdoor rink for pick-up hockey games or free skating.
More information:
– Opening times: Check the website
– Skate rentals and lockers available
Hüsliried in Bubikon
This natural ice skating rink is dear to my heart because I grew up in Bubikon. The sheer size of this rink is mesmerizing, and it is possible to curve around aimlessly for hours. The Hüsliried rink is accessible from Zürich by train and bus.
More information:
– Directions (search.ch)
– Skate rentals are not available, and admission is free
Katzensee in Regensdorf
Lake Katzensee is a natural wonderland anytime of the year. In winters where temperatures are chilly enough, the entire lake will freeze over with black ice. The benefit about the Katzensee natural ice rink is that the facilities of the public bath can be used even in winter, including the changing rooms, toilets and the kiosk.
More information:
– Opening times: Check the website
– Skate rentals are not available, and admission is free
Kunsteisbahn Im Chreis in Dübendorf
This ice skating facility in Dübendorf offers two rinks: An indoor rink with seating for 2000 spectators, as well as an outdoor rink. It is unique that they allow for pick-up games using hard pucks. There is free parking in front, but the rinks are also accessible by bus from the train station.
More information:
– Opening times: Check the website
– Directions (search.ch)
– Skate rentals and lockers available
Live on Ice at the Swiss National Museum
Inside the courtyard of the Swiss National Museum, an open air ice rink invites visitors to step into another world. In 2016, there was an Alpine theme with a real chalet serving Swiss delicacies. The setting amid the historical Landesmuseum is quite romantic and perfect for some spontaneous ice skating: It is located mere minutes from the train tracks of Zürich’s main station.
More information:
– Opening times: Mon to Fri from 4 to 10 PM, Wed from 2 – 10 PM, Sat and Sun from 11 AM to 10 PM
– Skate rentals available
(Photography copyright Live on Ice)
Oerlikon
Last season, the popular indoor and outdoor rink in Oerlikon has been closed to the public due to the renovation of the Heuried rink. The Stadiönli restaurant is a popular choice for a quick snack while the rinks are closed for cleaning.
More information:
– Opening times: Check the website
– Skate rentals and lockers available
Winter World in Wallisellen
This indoor ice skating rink in Wallisellen offers two rinks: A proper ice hockey field for pick-up games, as well as a rink for free skating. Winter World is part of a larger sports complex which also includes a spa and an indoor pool.
More information:
– Opening times: Mon/Tue/Thu from 1 to 9:45 PM, Wed/Fri/Sat from 9 AM to 9:45 PM, and Sun from 9 AM to 6:45 PM
– Skate rentals and lockers available
Alessandra
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