For ice princesses and snow angels
We get it. Berlin winters can be long and tough, and sometimes it seems that hibernating until spring is the best way to survive. But there’s a lot of fun to be had when the temperatures are dropping. Whether it’s to entertain kids, impress a date with your spectacular pirouettes, have fun with friends or just get some exercise, ice skating is one of the most enjoyable winter activities available in Berlin. And there are so many great places to do it! From the Erika-Heß-Stadion in Wedding to Snowtropolis in Brandenburg, here are the best places to skate in and around Berlin.
Tip 1: Family friendly: Eisbahn Lankwitz
This open-air ice-skating rink nestled among community gardens in Lankwitz is run by a family of skating enthusiasts who do their best to ensure other families feel welcome at their rink. They have a skating school catering to learners both young and old and for all disciplines: figure skating, ice hockey or, of course, just for fun.
When: from 4 November 2023 to mid-March 2024; Monday 10 am - 1 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 10 am - 2.30 pm, Friday 10 am - 6 pm, Saturday 12 pm - 9 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm
Where: Eisstadion Lankwitz, Leonorenstr. 37, Berlin-Lankwitz
Tip 2: For ice artists and all those who want to become one: Ice rink at Potsdamer Platz
The ice rink at Potsdamer Platz will be open again this year. Here you can skate in the fresh air and hone your technique. On the ice rink next to the Christmas market on Potsdamer Platz, you can meet sports-loving children and adults in a wintery atmosphere. This makes ice skating in Berlin fun.
When: 28 October 2023 to 1 January 2024
Where: Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin-Tiergarten
Tip 3: Ice skating with Caribbean flair: the Young African Christmas Market
In addition to Jamaican punch and delicious street food, the Young African Market (YAAM for short) brings Caribbean flair to the cold season. At large ice skating parties at the weekends, you can celebrate the Christmas season at YAAM on Ice with changing DJs, fire and light shows and live music. Ice skating workshops are also offered for school classes.
When: 15 to 17 December 2023; Monday to Friday 3 - 10 pm, Saturday/Sunday 12 - 10 pm, and Monday to Friday 10 am - 2 pm for daycare centres, school classes and social institutions
Where: An der Schillingbrücke 3, Friedrichshain
Tip 4: Most Christmassy: Eisbahn am Neptunbrunnen in Berlin Mitte
If ice skating is mainly a Christmas activity for you, this is the only rink you’ll need. It circles around the statue of Neptune at the foot of the TV Tower. When you’re done skating to holiday tunes, there's an entire Christmas market full of mulled wine and Yuletide treats to enjoy.
When: 27 November to 7 January 2023/2024; Monday - Friday 12-22, Saturday 11-22, on 25 and 26 December from 11 am to 9 pm, on 31 December from 11 am to 8 pm, closed on Christmas Eve
Where: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 8, Mitte
Tip 5: Best all-weather rink: Rübezahl am Müggelsee
This excellent rink is covered and equipped with side panels, so wind and rain won't affect your spectacular twirls, pirouettes and falls. It’s a bit of a trip to Müggelsee from central Berlin, but it’s worth the journey. The views over the lake are lovely. There’s a beer garden and bistro here as well as plenty of outdoor activities if the weather cooperates. 2G applies.
When: from 17 November 2023 to March 2024 (depending on weather conditions); Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 3 pm, 4 to 6 pm, Saturday, Sunday and during holidays from 10 am to 12.30 pm, 1 to 4.30 pm and 5 to 7 pm
Where: Müggelheimer Damm 143, Köpenick
Tip 6: For sports enthusiasts of every age - Charlottenburg ice rink
The Eissporthalle Charlottenburg (PO9) has two ice rinks to attract young and old skating fans alike. The covered hall is 30 by 60 metres, modern and bright - with many grandstand seats for watching. Because this is where the SCC and other ice sports clubs train in Charlottenburg in P09. Of course, there are also competitions every now and then. Fortunately, there is a second covered hall, also in competition size. However, it is open on three sides.
Tip: You can roller-skate in Hall II in the summer. The roller skating competitions will also be held here at the 2023 Special Olympics Summer Games.
When: 16 October 2023 to 15 March 2024; Monday 2.30 to 4.30 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9.30 to 11.30 am, 12 to 2 pm, 2.30 to 4.30 pm, Friday 9.30 to 11.30 am (no public skating on Saturday, Sunday, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day)
Where: Glockenturmstraße 14, Charlottenburg
Tip 7: Plenty of choice at Sportforum Hohenschönhausen
On the grounds of the 50-hectare sports forum in Hohenschönhausen, sports enthusiasts will find, among other things, three ice rinks. Many ice hockey teams train in the Wellblechpalast, and professional skaters sometimes compete in the World Cup in the speed skating rink. The recreational area is open to everyone.As a rule, the afternoons at the weekends are primarily for families and children. If you want to fortify yourself in between, there is a snack bar and two restaurants to choose from.
When: from 23 October 2023; Monday to Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm (primarily for families with children) and from 7 pm to 9 pm, Sunday from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm (primarily for families with children)
Where: Konrad-Wolf-Strasse 39, Hohenschönhausen
Tip 8: Sledding with a view of the Müggelsee: Friedrichshagen ice beach
The Seebad Friedrichshagen is not only worth a visit in summer. During the skating season, a beautiful open-air ice rink awaits you. On 600 square metres of ice, you can pirouette to your heart's content, try curling and melt away with a view of Lake Müggelsee.
When: from 26 November 2023; Monday to Friday from 12 to 1.30 pm, 2 to 3.30 pm, 4 to 5.30 pm and 6 to 7.30 pm, Saturday, Sunday, on public holidays and during school holidays from 10 to 11.30 am, 12 to 1.30 pm, 2 to 3.30 pm, 4 to 5.30 pm and 6 to 7.30 pm, on Christmas Eve from 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Müggelseedamm 216, Köpenick
Tip 9: For speed skaters - Horst Dohm Ice Stadium Wilmersdorf
With its large ice surface of 6170 square metres, the Horst Dohm Ice Stadium in Wilmersdorf has been the place to go for ice skating fans in Berlin since 1974. In addition to the ice rink, there is an Olympic-size 400-metre speed skating rink where you can let off steam. Then it's off to the restaurant to warm up. Due to supply problems, the renovation work is taking a little longer. The reopening is now postponed to December 2022.
When: from 17 November 2023; the indoor area opens Monday to Friday from 10.30 am to 1 pm, 4.15 pm to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 10 am, 1 pm to 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm. The high-speed ring opens from Monday to Friday from 9am to 11.30am, 1pm to 4.15pm, 7.30pm to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 1pm, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, 7pm to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 12pm, 1pm to 3pm and 4.30pm to 6pm.
Where: Fritz-Wildung-Straße 9, Wilmersdorf
Tip 10: Ice skating in a fairytale winter wonderland - the ice rink at Grünau lido
Winter is just around the corner and the Grünau lido also opens its doors during the cold season! Rustic alpine huts, a cosy restaurant, ice skating and exciting activities make the winter season unforgettable. Whether you're a beginner or a pro: on the 1000 m² real ice rink, all ice skating enthusiasts have the opportunity to do their laps and enjoy the magical atmosphere. Another highlight this year is curling. Challenge your friends and experience the winter wonderland at Strandbad Grünau.
When: 15 November 2023 until 25 February 2024
Monday and Tuesday are closed, Wednesday and Thursday from 2 pm to 8 pm, Friday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Sportpromenade 9, Grünau
Tip 11: Christmas fun on the ice rink at the Zehlendorf Christmas market
You can skate in a cosy atmosphere on the 20 x 18 metre ice rink at the Zehlendorf Christmas market on Teltower Damm. If you don't like skating yourself, you can simply watch and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the beautiful neighbourhood Christmas market.
When: 27 November to 30 December 2023; Sunday to Thursday 12 - 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 - 10 pm, Christmas Eve 11 am - 4 pm, 25 and 26 December 11 am - 8 pm
Where: Kirchstraße 1, Zehlendorf
Josefine is originally from Munich and started out her career at one of Germanys largest daily news papers. Before finding her home in Berlin, she also reported as a correspondent and trend scout from the US. Today she is cruising Berlin's neighbourhoods, always on the lookout for good stories - with a focus on culture, music and ideas for the future of an innovative Berlin.
