Many people and children ice skating on an outdoor ice rink in front of a white city building in Vienna.
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Ice Skating in Austria
At an urban ice rink, on the lake, or surrounded by nature

Ice skating in Austria is a winter experience to remember. Whether in the city or on a frozen lake, glide across the ice and enjoy a fun day with friends!

Austria’s ice rinks offer a magical experience! Glide across frozen lakes as the ice gently crunches beneath your blades, surrounded by snow-covered meadows or towering mountain peaks. Ice skating in Austria’s stunning nature is an experience not to be missed. Many natural ice rinks are easily accessible, with nearby parking and benches to put on your skates. Discover some of Austria’s best natural ice skating spots below.

Ice skating on artificial ice, with light shows and music – or sheltered in covered halls: In many Austrian cities, urban skating rinks invite you to enjoy this beloved winter sport in a unique setting.

Ice skating in Austria's provinces

Ice skating throughout Austria: from natural lakes to artificial ice rinks - every province offers unique winter moments on glistening ice.

Vorarlberg

Tirol

SalzburgerLand

Carinthia

Upper Austria

Lower Austria

Natural ice rinks in Austria's regions

Ice age in Austria's nature: gliding through winter landscapes on frozen lakes.

Lake Neusiedl

One of the largest natural ice rinks in Central Europe - only accessible in severe frost. Ice skating is possible, but always at your own risk.

Lake Neusiedl

Lake Weissensee

A professional team maintains the ice surface, which is up to 40cm thick and stretches 25km long. They ensure that the ice skating, curling, and ice hockey rink.

Lake Weissensee

Lake Pressegger See

Collect moments of happiness on 55 hectares of natural ice on Lake Pressegger See: 2.5 km of groomed circular track, skate hire at the Hermagor lido.

Lake Pressegger See

Lake Ritzensee

In winter, the Ritzensee in Saalfelden Leogang becomes a natural ice rink - with a groomed ice surface and a view of the Steinernes Meer.

Lake Ritzensee

Lake Almsee

The Almsee in Grünau im Almtal is the meeting point for ice skaters in winter. Ice and paths at your own risk! Parking only in marked areas.

Lake Almsee

Lake Langbathsee

Natural ice rink at Vorderer Langbathsee, which sometimes forms from mid-January to mid-February. Enter at your own risk.

Lake Langbathsee

Lake Reintalersee

In the Alpbachtal valley, frozen lakes entice you to ice skate in a dreamlike natural setting - at your own risk, provided the ice is safe.

Lake Reintalersee

Lake Piburger See

A 2 km long, swept ice rink awaits you above Oetz in Ötztal. Skate hire at the Gasthof Piburger See.

Lake Piburger See

Lake Tristacher See

Glide on runners at the Parkhotel Tristacher See with a view of the mountains. Free of charge, at your own risk, from 20 cm ice thickness.

Lake Tristacher See

It takes several days of heavy frost for a stable layer of ice to form on the lake. As a general rule, however, ice skating on the lake is always at your own risk.

Before you lace up

How to be a considerate guest on the lake

Lakes are home to many animals and plants. When you're out on the ice, please help keep it that way:

  • Respect designated protection zones for plants and animals.

  • Don't leave any rubbish on or around the lake.

  • Avoid using the lake or its shores as a toilet.

  • Don't feed fish or birds – leftover food adds unnecessary nutrients to the water.

Ice skating in Austria's capital cities

For all those who like to experience the winter lifestyle right in the centre of the action. Between the historical backdrop, twinkling lights and urban hustle and bustle, these places show that ice skating can also be a magical experience in the city.

Eisenstadt

Winter wonderland under a roof and light: 2,500 m² of covered ice, disco on Saturdays, figures for beginners.

Eisenstadt

Innsbruck

Ice skating in and around Innsbruck: artificial and natural ice rinks plus the TIWAG Arena ice palace invite you to skate with a view of the mountains.

Innsbruck

Salzburg

Ice magic on two outdoor and indoor ice rinks on 3,600 m² of covered ice in the ice arena in the centre of the Volksgarten.

Salzburg

Linz

Dancing across the ice in the centre of Linz: LINZ AG's Donaupark ice rink is weather-independent and offers plenty of space for winter romance in the city.

Linz

Vienna

Whether it's the Vienna Ice Dream on Rathausplatz, the Engelmann artificial ice rink above the rooftops or the historic ice skating club - pure winter fun!

Vienna

Graz

Graz invites you onto the ice: all year round in the Merkur Ice Arena, sparkling during Advent in the Graz Winter World and on the Schlossberg.

Graz

Klagenfurt

Two ice rinks. Ice disco. Public skating. Skates for hire - winter fun for families and friends in the centre of the city.

Klagenfurt

Events on ice

FAQs

It's best to check in advance whether the natural ice surface has been officially approved – on the lake’s website or by contacting the local tourist office.
If you can't find any information, assume this rule applies: entering the ice is always at your own risk.

Typically between January and March, depending on the weather conditions.

Here’s an overview of well-known lakes in Austria where natural ice skating is possible:

The mix of architecture, music and lighting creates true winter magic and draws in crowds:

  • Vienna – Wiener Eistraum at Rathausplatz

  • Graz – Grazer Winterwelt at Karmeliterplatz

  • Salzburg – Eiszauber at Mozartplatz

  • Linz – Linzer Eiszauber on the Volksgarten ice rink

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Ice climbing in Austria

In Austria's alpine regions, very skilled climbers can challenge themselves also during the winter months - on icy waterfalls.

Climbing & ice climbing
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