Ice Skating in Vienna 2024-2025
Vienna with its Baroque palaces and cathedrals provides an ideal setting for skating rinks
Best time: mid-October–early March
If you find yourself in Austria's capital during the winter season, stop by one of its many ice skating rinks, welcoming visitors to experience gliding on ice against the mesmerizing backdrop of historical Vienna. From the iconic ice skating rink in front of the city's City Hall to Wiener Eislaufverein ice skating club, everyone has numerous opportunities to enjoy this wonderful winter activity in Austria.
When to Skate in Vienna?
The ice skating rinks normally open in October, mid-November, or early December at the start of the holiday season. The rinks usually close either in January, several days after New Year's Day, or operate until February, with some only closing in early March.
Vienna Ice Dream Rink at Wiener Rathaus (November 15, 2024–January 6, 2025; January 23–March 2, 202)
Vienna City Hall in the winter wouldn't be complete without a skating rink in front of it. Formerly known as Vienna Ice World, the rink has been operating under a new name, Vienna Ice Dream, for the last several years. More than 500,000 skaters take advantage of this seasonal attraction. It is especially popular during school holidays and Fasching. The rink is divided into four large areas, with a gorgeous Sky Rink venue, which offers spectacular views of the entire ice skating site.
Opening Hours
The rink first opens as part of the Vienna Christmas Market from mid-November through early January. After a brief hiatus in January, the venue reopens to visitors in late January and continues operating until early March. The rink is open daily from 10 am until 10 pm but closes at 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve. On December 31st, Vienna Ice Dream is closed entirely.
Admission & Tickets
Tickets cost €10 for adults, €7 for children born in 2010 and later, and €7.60 for seniors born in 1965 and earlier. Various discounts are available for those with Mobilpass and those buying the tickets online. Additionally, all members of daycares, kindergartens, and schools can enter the rink for free from 10 am until 4 pm on the weekdays. Season pass costs €81 for adults, €56 for children, and €65 for seniors. Skate rental is available for additional cost.
Ice Skating at Wiener Eislaufverein (November 9, 2024–March 9, 2025)
Wiener Eislaufverein is one of the oldest and largest ice rinks in Europe. Conveniently located in the heart of Vienna, between the Stadpark and Konzerthaus, the rink is fairly easy to reach either by tram or bus. The venue is also home to one of the oldest ice sports club in Vienna, featuring numerous ice-related activities, including ice dancing, figure skating, speed skating, and hockey. The ice skating season here usually runs from late October to early March.
Visitors can enjoy a vast expanse of around 64,583 square feet (6,000 sq m) and show off the best of their skating maneuvers to their friends and family. Wiener Eislaufverein also hosts ice disco nights every Friday from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Hours & Admission
The rink is open from 9 am until 8 pm from Monday to Thursday, from 9 am until 9 pm on Fridays, and from 9 am until 8 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and any public holidays. Special hours apply to Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve when the venue is open until 3 pm, and to New Year's Day, when you can enjoy skating from 10 am until 8 pm.
Ticket prices are different on weekdays and weekends, with adult tickets costing €10.50-11.50. Children between 7 and 17 years old can purchase tickets for €8-8.50, while children between 3 and 6 years old can enter for €3-3.50.
Engelmann Ice Rink (November 8, 2024–March 9, 2025)
Another interesting option is the Engelmann Ice Rink at the top of a building in the Hernals area. This artificial rink provides a nice panorama of the streets of Vienna. It usually opens its doors in late October or early November and welcomes ice skating crowds until the beginning of March. The rink is situated in the Hernals area, a peaceful residential area not far from the city center. If you get tired of ice skating, stop by the buffer, offering numerous delicacies, from pork schnitzel to beef goulash.
Opening Hours & Admission
The rink is open from 9 am until 6 pm on Mondays, from 9 am until 9:30 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and from 9 am until 7 pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Weekday tickets cost €9,50 for adults, €7,50 for children between 6 and 17 years old, and €4 for children 3 to 5 years old. Prices increase on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, with tickets costing €10.50, €8, and €4.50, respectively.