As the colder months set in, the age old pursuit of ice skating comes to the forefront of Dutch minds and often people skate on the canals when they freeze over. However, it’s not a good idea to do that because the ice can be thin and fragile, even if it looks robust.
So, where can you ice skate in Amsterdam? There are plenty of fantastic ice rinks, from seasonal setups to those that are open year round!
1. Ice Amsterdam
Every year, Museumplein transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with a huge ice skating rink, a cute Christmas market and even a bistro serving tasty cheese fondue. This year (or next year, rather) the rink will open until February 5 so there’s plenty of time to visit!
2. Rembrandtplein
Until January 8 you’ll find a pop up ice skating rink in the centre of Amsterdam at the Ijsbaan on Rembrandtplein. There you’ll find a sizeable rink and even some mulled wine and olibollen with which to indulge yourself post-skate.
Entry is €10 and that includes ice skate rental, and it’s open every day between 10 am and 11 pm. It you live in Amsterdam or were born here, you get a 50% discount when you provide your ID.
3. Winter Paradise
Every year, the RAI becomes a stunning Winter Paradise, with a huge ferris wheel and two skating rinks – one indoors and another outdoors.
Plus, you can even ski between lovely Christmas trees and feel like you’re in the Alps. There are tube slides, a theatre, a maze, a little train and of course, there will be plenty of food and drink to munch on whilst you work your way around this colossal winter wonderland.
Ticket prices vary. A day ticket is €21.50 and it includes most of the activities. Alternatively, you can buy a morning ticket for €19.50 or a night ticket for €11. You can book you tickets on the website.
4. Jaap Eden
Jaap Eden skating rink is not a seasonal thing – it’s open year-round, unlike the others. However, it still feels festive when you visit in the winter months and here you can ever take ice skating lessons so you can practice the rest of the year to show off at Christmas time.
It’s €9 for adults and €5.50 for children, which is pretty cheap for ice skating. The price doesn’t include skate rental, which costs an additional €7.00. The rink is open from 7.30 am – 10.30 pm every day.
In Amsterdam, there are only a few days in every year when the temperature really drops below freezing (although it may feel like it’s always freezing). However, you can always enjoy a spot of ice skating despite the temperature at one of these Amsterdam ice rinks.