Top 7 amazing outdoor ice-rinks around the world

The most famous ice rinks in the world

Wiener Eistraum outside ice rink, Vienna, Austria

Ice-rink has an area of 8000 square meters is right in front of the charming and festively illuminated city hall. It is located on one of the numerous city Christmas bazaars and is surrounded stalls selling hot drinks and traditional Austrian cuisine. There are ice paths leading out of the ice-rink and dispersing throughout a small park decorated with colourful lights.

Getting there: from Kyiv there are direct flights with Wizz Air, UIA and Austrian Airlines. Apart from Kyiv there are Austrian Airlines that fly from L’viv, Odesa, Kharkiv. There are also a Wizz Air flights from Kharkiv. It is also possible to fly via Bratislava with Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Somerset House outdoor ice rink, London, United Kingdom

Each year a magnificent courtyard of a XVIII century building turns into an ice-rink where guest may enjoy champagne with truffles as well as ice-skating. Somerset House, which is considered one of London’s most beautiful ice-rinks, becomes a bright dancefloor in the evenings and host various events with festivals with DJs.

Getting there: from Kyiv there are direct flights with British Airways, UIA, Ryanair, Wizz Air. From L’viv there are flights with Ryanair and Wizz Air, from Kharkiv with Wizz Air.

Wollman Rink in Central Park ice rink, New York, USA

This ice-rink is a true movie star since it featured in movies like Intuition, Love Story, Home Alone 2 and became a definitive symbol of New York winter tale. It is located in the southern part of Central Park, exactly where the spectacular view of Manhattan’s skyscrapers opens up.

Getting there: the most convenient flights from Kyiv and L’viv are with LOT via Warsaw.

Rideau Canal Skateway big ice rink, Ottawa, Canada

Going past the Canadian Parliament Building and stretching out across a whopping 7-kilometer distance, Rideau ice-rink is the biggest one in the world. For those who are up to go the full distance will be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings as well the food and drinks being served throughout 5 rest areas located on the skateway. Among the numerous events being held here the Winterlude ice sculpture festival is very special and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Getting there: from Kyiv the most convenient route would be via Toronto with UIA.

Millennium park and Maggie Daley park outdoor ice-rinks, Chicago, USA

The two neighboring parks organise beautiful ice-rinks in the middle of Chicago every winter. The Millennium park ice-rink is surrounded by magnificent views of city’s skyscrapers. The other rink is called The Skating Ribbon and is rather unusual. Just like the name suggests, it is spread out throughout the park’s winding and undulating paths amongst the scattered art-installations.

Getting there: from Kyiv and L’viv, LOT offers the most convenient route via Warsaw.

Ice* Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

During the cold season the Museum Square becomes an ice-rink as a part of Ice* Amsterdam winter wonderland. All visitors can skate along the famous Magere Brug bridge, enjoy the beauty of the Rixmuseum as well as the rest of the scenery. A chalet-styled bar and restaurant offers delicious Danish dishes along with other cuisines.

Getting there: from Kyiv with KLM or UIA.

The City Park Ice-rink, Budapest, Hungary

In the wintertime the Varosliget City Park Lake becomes a biggest ice-rink in Europe. The tradition of ice-skating on this lake dates back all the way to 1869. The fairy-tale atmosphere, the lovely music and a spectacular Vajdahunyad castle, make the city park ice rink a favourite recreational spot for locals and tourists alike.

Getting there: from Kyiv via a direct flight with Wizz Air or UIA.