These are the most beautiful ice rinks in Switzerland

Whether on a frozen lake or a romantic ice rink, ice skating in winter makes even die-hard Grinches beam like in a winter fairy tale.

These five ice rinks provide the perfect backdrop for just this purpose.

Spanning an area of 6,000 m², the Dolder ice rink is one of the largest open artificial ice rinks in Europe and also scores points for its romantic location in the middle of the forest, reminiscent of the regional Christmas fairy tale ​‘Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel’ [Three Gifts (Hazelnuts) for Cinderella]. Or nostalgic winter sports films from the early 1960s. Of course, the Dolder ice rink is particularly busy on Saturdays. Nevertheless, it’s a wonderful place to go ice skating and play ​‘Chneble’, or ice hockey. Good to know: every Wednesday, the entire ice rink is closed to the public from 5.30 pm to 7 pm for training.

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Since its opening in February 1934, the Kunsteisbahn Margarethen, to this day affectionately known as Kunschti, has been Basel’s ice rink par excellence. In contrast to the Daig in Basel, the crowd on the two large outdoor rinks and the indoor ice rink is a colourful mix, guaranteeing a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere. The Kunschti also hosts regular ice discos, where you can have fun on the ice amid fantastic lighting effects and cool beats.

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Unfortunately, it is now rare to be able to skate on a frozen lake as our grandmothers and grandfathers once did. However, if you want to experience that authentic, nostalgic feeling of yesteryear, you can try it in winter on the Schwarzsee in the canton of Fribourg. As soon as it is frozen over and approved by the authorities, young and old alike are drawn to the 0.5 km² ice surface, which actually looks almost black – especially against the backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery.

In the middle of Ciani Park, a small village made of ice, light, and joie de vivre emerges in winter. The Ice Village combines ice skating with southern European dolce vita: after a few laps on the artificial ice rink, which is especially built for the Christmas season and is therefore rather small, you can relax in the surrounding cosy chalets with snacks and aperitifs. Or simply enjoy life as you take in the sparkling lights, the large tree in the Piazza della Riforma, and a market brimming with handicrafts and Ticino specialities.

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Gliding along the three-kilometre-long Engadin Ice Trail, you can’t help but sing ​‘Let It Go’ at the top of your lungs. This is only natural, as the circular route leads through the forests near the villages of Scuol and Sent and resembles a silent, glittering winter wonderland. The ice rink is re-created every winter as soon as temperatures allow. The path is also regularly maintained to ensure that the surface remains nice and smooth.

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