Ice skating is one of the best things to do in Vienna in winter. You can glide across a huge outdoor rink in front of City Hall, skate beneath the lights of a Christmas market, or discover a historic rink on the roof of a building in Hernals.
Vienna has several excellent places to skate, from atmospheric outdoor ice paths to indoor facilities where you can escape the weather. Most seasonal rinks open between late October and mid-November, although the main Wiener Eistraum at Rathausplatz doesn’t start until late January.
Here is my guide to the best places for ice skating in Vienna in the 2026/27 season, including opening dates, hours, locations and useful tips for planning your visit.
Vienna ice skating at a glance: 2026/27
| Ice rink | 2026/27 season | Opening times |
|---|---|---|
| Wiener Eistraum at Rathausplatz | 22 January–7 March 2027 | Daily, 10am–10pm |
| Eistraum at the Christmas Market | 13 November 2026–6 January 2027 | Daily, 10am–10pm, with holiday exceptions |
| Wiener Eislauf-Verein | Opens 5 November 2026 | Mon–Thu 9am–8pm; Fri 9am–9pm; weekends and public holidays 9am–8pm |
| Kunsteisbahn Engelmann | Opens 6 November 2026 | Check the rink’s current timetable before visiting |
| Eisring Süd | Opens 25 October 2026 | Check the current indoor and outdoor session times |
| Schönbrunn Christmas-market ice rink | 6 November 2026–6 January 2027 | Varies by day and holiday period |
| neuro.io arena | 7 November 2026–14 March 2027 | Weekends, 1.15pm–6pm; selected holidays and school holidays also open |
| EisStadthalle, Hall C | 2026/27 dates to be confirmed | Check the official schedule |
Opening times can change for public holidays, school holidays and special events. Check the linked venue website before setting off, particularly if you are visiting over Christmas or New Year.
1. Wiener Eistraum – Iceskating at Vienna City Hall
Best for: a spectacular central Vienna experience
The Wiener Eistraum, or Vienna Ice Dream, is one of the city’s best-known winter attractions. Set in front of the neo-Gothic Rathaus, it combines extensive ice surfaces with winding skating paths through the Rathauspark. The elevated SKY RINK adds another dimension to the experience.
The setting is particularly impressive after dark, when the City Hall and park are illuminated. You can combine a skating session with sightseeing in the historic centre or a visit to the surrounding Christmas attractions.
2026/27 opening times
- Dates: 22 January–7 March 2027
- Opening hours: daily, 10am–10pm
- Location: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
- Skate hire: available on site
The main Wiener Eistraum is a late-winter attraction, rather than a Christmas skating option. If you’re visiting in November or December 2026, look for the separate Eistraum at the Christmas Market, described below.
For tickets and current visitor information, check the official Wiener Eistraum website.
2. Eistraum at the Christmas Market on Rathausplatz
Best for: combining Christmas markets with ice skating
You don’t have to wait until January to skate at Rathausplatz. The Eistraum at the Christmas Market opens in November, bringing ice skating into the festive setting in front of City Hall.
The rink offers a convenient way to combine two classic winter activities: exploring the Christmas market and spending time on the ice. It is particularly appealing if you’re visiting Vienna for a short Christmas break and want to fit several seasonal experiences into one outing.
2026 opening times
- Dates: 13 November 2026–6 January 2027
- Regular hours: daily, 10am–10pm
- 24 December: 10am–6.30pm
- 31 December: closed
- Location: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
The Christmas-market rink closes on 6 January, leaving a short gap before the larger Wiener Eistraum returns on 22 January.
For more seasonal ideas, see my guide to Vienna’s Christmas markets.
3. Ice skating at Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Best for: families and a festive palace setting
The Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace offers a smaller ice-skating rink within the palace forecourt. It’s a good choice for families or anyone who wants to combine skating with the market’s stalls, seasonal food and crafts.
Unlike the large ice surfaces at Rathausplatz, the rink uses an artificial skating surface. It is designed to be accessible to beginners, and children can use skating aids.
2026 opening times
The rink is scheduled to operate during the Christmas market, from 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. Its hours vary by day:
- 6 November–23 December: Monday to Friday, 1pm–8.30pm; weekends and public holidays, 11am–9pm
- 24 December: 11am–4pm
- 25 December–6 January: Monday to Friday, 1pm–6.30pm; weekends and public holidays, 11am–7pm
Skate hire is available in limited sizes, while supplies last. The venue also provides skating aids and helmets for younger visitors.
For current prices and details, consult the Schönbrunn Christmas Market’s skating information.
4. Wiener Eislauf-Verein: a historic outdoor rink
Best for: traditional skating close to the city centre
Founded in 1867, the Wiener Eislauf-Verein is one of Vienna’s historic ice-skating institutions. Its large outdoor rink sits beside the Stadtpark, close to the Konzerthaus and the InterContinental hotel.
The atmosphere is more sporting and traditional than the Christmas-market rinks. It’s a good option if you want a substantial skating session without travelling far from central Vienna.
2026/27 opening times
The rink’s published timetable is:
- Monday to Thursday: 9am–8pm
- Friday: 9am–9pm
- Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9am–8pm
The 2026/27 season opens on 5 November 2026. Special holiday hours apply: on 24 and 31 December, the rink is scheduled to close at 3pm, while on 1 January it opens from 10am to 8pm.
Location: Lothringerstraße 22, 1030 Vienna.
Skate hire is available. Check the Wiener Eislauf-Verein website for ticket prices, current opening information and any schedule changes.
5. Kunsteisbahn Engelmann: skating on a rooftop
Best for: a distinctive local experience
Kunsteisbahn Engelmann has an unusual setting: an outdoor artificial ice rink on a rooftop in Vienna’s 17th district. It has a long history, dating back to 1909, and offers a different perspective from the large skating areas in the city centre.
The rooftop location gives it a more neighbourhood feel, and the rink is worth considering if you want to explore beyond the main tourist attractions.
2026/27 season
- Opening date: Friday, 6 November 2026, at 9am
- Location: Syringgasse 6–14, 1170 Vienna
- Special event: the rink advertises a Friday evening ice disco during the season, subject to its published schedule and exceptions.
The rink’s opening hours vary by day. As the complete 2026/27 timetable was not confirmed in the published seasonal announcement I checked, I recommend verifying the relevant day before travelling rather than relying on last year’s hours.
Visit Kunsteisbahn Engelmann for current opening times, ticket information and skating events.
6. EisStadthalle – indoor skating at Hall C
Best for: an indoor alternative
If you would rather skate indoors, Hall C at the Wiener Stadthalle is worth checking. The facility offers a more practical sporting environment than the outdoor rinks, with skate hire and skating activities for different levels.
It can be a useful alternative when the weather is unpleasant, although public skating sessions operate to a timetable rather than as an unrestricted all-day attraction.
2026/27 opening times
The dates and full public-skating timetable for the 2026/27 winter season were not yet confirmed in the information available when this guide was updated. The previous season’s hours should not be treated as the current schedule.
- Location: Vogelweidplatz 14, 1150 Vienna
- Skate hire: check availability with the venue
- Current information: EisStadthalle official website
Check the current session times before making a special trip.
Which Vienna ice rink should you choose?
Your best option depends on when you’re visiting and what kind of skating experience you want.
For the classic Christmas atmosphere: choose the Eistraum at the Christmas Market on Rathausplatz or the Schönbrunn Palace rink.
For a large, spectacular outdoor rink: visit the Wiener Eistraum from late January 2027.
For central convenience: the Wiener Eislauf-Verein is close to the Stadtpark and the city centre.
For something different: try Engelmann’s rooftop rink in Hernals.
For indoor skating: check EisStadthalle’s current public-skating timetable.
For a sports-arena experience: look at the neuro.io arena’s scheduled public sessions.
For indoor and outdoor options in one venue: check Eisring Süd.
Practical tips for ice skating in Vienna
Check the date as well as the daily hours. Some rinks open in October or early November, while the main Wiener Eistraum at Rathausplatz doesn’t start until January. Christmas-market skating areas generally close in early January.
Book or check tickets in advance. Large venues may offer online tickets, and checking the official website can save time at busy periods.
Allow time for skate hire. Rental availability and sizes vary by venue. If you’re travelling with children, check whether the rink provides skating aids and helmets.
Plan around public holidays. Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day can have different hours or closures. The neuro.io arena, for example, is closed for public skating on several of these dates, while the Christmas-market rink at Rathausplatz closes early on 24 December and shuts on 31 December.
Dress for the rink you’re visiting. Outdoor venues can be cold, particularly in the evening. Indoor skating facilities may be more comfortable if the weather is wet or windy.
Frequently asked questions about ice skating in Vienna
When does ice skating season start in Vienna in 2026?
The 2026/27 season begins in late October at Eisring Süd, followed by the Wiener Eislauf-Verein and Kunsteisbahn Engelmann in early November. The Christmas-market skating areas open in November, while the main Wiener Eistraum at Rathausplatz begins on 22 January 2027.
Where can I go ice skating in Vienna at Christmas?
The Eistraum at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market and the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market both offer skating during the festive season. The Wiener Eislauf-Verein is another option, subject to its special holiday hours. Check each venue’s timetable before visiting on 24, 25 or 26 December.
Is ice skating in Vienna suitable for beginners?
Yes. Several venues offer skate hire, and some provide skating aids for children and beginners. The Schönbrunn Christmas-market rink is a particularly accessible option for families, while the larger rinks offer plenty of space for more confident skaters.
Can I hire ice skates in Vienna?
Yes. Skate hire is available at several of the city’s main rinks, including the Wiener Eislauf-Verein and the Wiener Eistraum. Availability, sizes and prices differ, so check the relevant venue’s website before your visit.
What is the best ice rink in Vienna?
For a large-scale winter experience, the Wiener Eistraum at Rathausplatz is a standout choice. For Christmas-market atmosphere, consider Rathausplatz in November and December or Schönbrunn Palace. The Wiener Eislauf-Verein is a good alternative for a traditional outdoor skating session close to the centre.
Plan your winter visit to Vienna
Ice skating can be a highlight of a winter trip, but it works best when you fit it around the rest of your plans. You might combine a morning at Schönbrunn with the palace Christmas market, or plan an afternoon skating session around sightseeing and dinner in the city centre.
For more seasonal inspiration, see my guides to things to do in Vienna in December and Vienna’s Christmas markets.
If you’d like help bringing your plans together, my bespoke Vienna travel planning service can create a personalised itinerary around your interests, travel dates and preferred pace, with practical details to help you make the most of your time in Wien.
