Switzerland is known for its active participation in winter sports, exemplified by its strong performances at the Winter Olympics. Of the many winter activities favoured by the Swiss, one of the nation's favourites is ice skating, so to help you take part in this winter staple, here's everything you need to know about ice skating in Switzerland and where is best to hit the ice!
Thanks to its passion for all things winter, Switzerland has a number of great ice skating rinks. In the winter, there are many outdoor natural ice rinks, especially in the mountains, and plenty of temporary rinks attached to Christmas markets. However, there are also many great indoor ice rinks so you can have fun all year round.
Each Swiss canton has several great rinks, but since we can’t list them all, here are our favourites!
Zurich, as Switzerland’s most populous city, is at the heart of the country’s ice-skating scene. There are some of the country’s most famous indoor and outdoor ice rinks in the city, with places for family skating, ice hockey, figure skating and even speed skating.
The Dolder eisbahn is one of the largest ice rinks in Europe. At 6.000 square metres, and located next to the stunning Dolder Grand Hotel, the Dolder ice skating rink is a fan favourite.
The Dolder ice rink, which was built in 1930, not only allows people to skate but also offers a place for visitors to enjoy sports such as curling. It even hosts ice discos!
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Aside from the Dolderkunsteisbahn, Zurich is also home to the Heuried sports centre. The centre is home to one of the most well-known ice skating rinks in Switzerland.
The centre also hosts some great events - some highlights include after-work drinks on the ice with fondue and snacks and free ice-hockey games. The sports centre is also a popular spot for trips from schools during the weekdays.
The ice-skating fun is not just for those who live in Zurich though! There are plenty of other great Swiss cities with ice-skating facilities, for example, Basel!
There are many great outdoor ice rinks in Basel when the weather is cold, but if you’re looking for an ice rink under cover, the Eissport- und Freizeithalle in Laufen is a great bet. Though this rink is only open during the winter, the centre boasts great facilities and offers children lots of opportunities to take part in sports on the ice.
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Lausanne also has some great options for keen skaters. Much like in Basel, the majority of ice rinks in Lausanne are pop-up outdoor rinks that are great during the winter. But if you’re seeking some more weatherproof skate sessions, then the palace to hit is the Vaudoise Arena. The arena has great facilities, evidenced by the fact that it hosted the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics. The venue also hosts a number of interesting events and festivals throughout the year.
Valais is a true winter wonderland when the snow is falling - some of the locals even like to skate on the lakes! For the less adventurous of us, there’s always Ice rink Nendaz!
This outdoor rink is not covered, but it’s definitely one of our favourites! The rink is open during the winter and is the perfect place to practise figure skating, ice hockey or just have fun with the family.
Now you know the best places to go, it’s time to get your skates on! Be sure to check the weather if you are heading out during the snow and wear some good gloves on the ice. Happy skating!