One of the best things to do in Vienna in winter is ice skating. First, you won't need to wait for snow. Second, Vienna's best ice rink is right on your sightseeing track. And third, you won't need a skate shop since you can borrow skates at the rinks. Explore what are the other things to do in vienna december.
1. City Hall Ice Skating in Vienna - Wiener Eistraum
Ice skating enthusiasts can experience the thrill of gliding across one of Europe’s largest and most impressive ice rinks, located in the heart of the city. The Viennese Ice Dream offers an unforgettable ambiance, featuring a stunning icescape with four expansive rinks connected by picturesque paths that weave through the park. Adding to the excitement is the innovative SKY RINK, accessible via a newly constructed viewing platform, offering a spectacular skating experience on the first floor. Nestled between the Rathaus and the Burgtheater, this winter wonderland stands out as a one-of-a-kind global attraction, delivering the ultimate joy of ice skating. For more detail on Vienna city hall ice skating, visit my post Wiener Eistraum.
2. Open-Air Ice Skating at the Wiener Eislaufverein
Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, the Wiener Eislaufverein (Vienna Ice Skating Club) offers one of the most iconic skating experiences in town. Located along Lothringerstraße, the rink’s address pays homage to Franz Stephan von Lothringen, husband of Empress Maria Theresa. While there’s no record of Franz Stephan himself gliding on the ice, the rink’s prestigious history more than makes up for it.
The Eislaufverein wien is flanked by the grand Konzerthaus and modern Intercontinental Hotel, with unremarkable buildings behind it set for redevelopment. It was established in 1867, moving to its current home in 1901. At one point, it boasted the largest artificial ice rink in the world. Champions of European, World, and Olympic figure skating have trained here, and it’s credited with influencing the shift from rigid British skating styles to the more fluid and dynamic form seen today. The Viennese tradition of skating in circles to music has even earned a spot on UNESCO’s list of Austria’s intangible cultural heritage.
- Dates : Began on 9th November 2024 and run until early March 2025.
- Tickets: Tickets are available online.
- Address: Lothringerstraße 22, 1030 Vienna.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 09:00 to 20:00
- Friday: 09:00 to 21:00
- Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 09:00 to 20:00
- 24.12.2024: 09:00 to 15:00
- 31.12.2024: 09:00 to 15:00
- 01.01.2025: 10:00 to 20:00
3. Engelmann in Hernals
Established over 100 years ago, by visionary Chief Building Officer Eduard Engelmann, this rink was the world’s first open-air artificial ice rink, marking a groundbreaking moment in ice sports. Engelmann's motto, "Through artificial ice to ice art," not only revolutionized the sport but also laid the foundation for Austria’s many Olympic, World, and European champions. A short distance from the rink, you’ll find the birthplace of Karl Schäfer, one of the greatest figure skaters in history, whose achievements include two Olympic gold medals and numerous world and European titles. His incredible legacy, along with the 90th anniversary of the rink, was commemorated in 1999 with a special exhibition at the Hernals District Museum.
- Dates: 8 December 2024 to 8 March 2025
- Tickets: For more information and booking, visit their website.
- Address: Syringgasse 6-14, 1170 Vienna
Opening Hours:
- Mo, 09:00 - 19:00
- Tu, 09:00 - 20:00
- We, 09:00 - 19:00
- Th, 09:00 - 20:00
- Fr, 09:00 - 20:00
- Sa, 09:00 - 19:00
- Su, 09:00 - 19:00
- Holidays, 09:00 - 19:00
4. Die EisStadthalle
The Vienna Stadthalle’s EisStadthalle is a versatile facility that caters to concertgoers, event enthusiasts, athletes, and amateur sports lovers alike. Conveniently located next to the town hall swimming pool, this all-season venue offers a diverse range of activities, with a strong focus on ice sports. Within the Vienna Stadthalle, Hall C is transformed into a large ice skating rink, making it a prime destination for ice skating enthusiasts of all levels. From beginners to advanced skaters, everyone can benefit from the variety of courses on offer, which also include ice dancing lessons. Interestingly, schools and kindergartens have exclusive access during special morning time slots. For those without their own skates, rentals are available on-site during regular opening hours. To ensure availability, especially for large groups or schools, skates can be reserved in advance.
Address: Vogelweidplatz 14 - Halle C A-1150 Vienna Austria
Tickets:
- Adults: € 9,– / € 10,–
- Season Ticket / Half-Season Ticket (from 1 January 2025): Adults: € 260,– / € 130,–
- Family Ticket (Sat, Sun, public holidays): 1 adult & 1 toddler (ages 3 to 6): € 11.50
- Bookings At Die EisStadthalle.
Winter Opening Hours (26 October 2024 – 09 March 2025)
- Monday to Friday: 08:00 am – 4:45 pm (with Thursday offering access from 10:00 am)
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Ice Party from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 10:00 am – 4:45 pm
Summer Opening Hours (Starting 11 March 2025):
- Tuesday: 4:00 pm – 7:45 pm
5. Ice Skating at the Steffl Arena
For a more modern ice skating experience, head to the Steffl Arena. This state-of-the-art arena is a hub for public skating, ice hockey, and even curling. It’s the perfect spot if you’re after a more sport-oriented vibe. Public skating sessions at the Steffl Arena are available on weekends and during school holidays. It’s an ideal opportunity for families and groups to enjoy the ice together. Want a more private skating experience? The Steffl Arena offers the option to book exclusive ice time, ideal for group events, company parties, or special celebrations.
- Tickets: Book here.
- Dates: 9th November 2024 to 2nd March 2025.
- Days: Saturdays, Sundays, and selected holidays.
- Time: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Address: Steffl Arena, Attemsgasse 1, 1220 Vienna
