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With winter around the corner and temperatures dropping below freezing, some of Europe’s lakes are transforming into stunning natural ice rinks – including Europe’s top-rated natural ice rink according to new research.
The tranquil Lake Weissensee in Austria is set to freeze over and once again be the continent’s favourite skating destinations after sub-zero temperatures.
A new Google search study by European ferry operator DFDS analysed the popularity of 75 natural and artificial ice rinks, revealing Lake Weissensee in Austria as the top-ranking natural skating spot.
It received 33,000 Google searches during the winter months, followed second by Switzerland’s Lake Saint Moritz and Slovenia’s Lake Bled in third. Both received 28,000 and 25,000 searches respectively.
The internet’s favourite outdoor winter ice rinks revealed – from London to Strasbourg to Amsterdam
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is home to Europe’s most popular ice rink – three London ice rinks feature in the top 10
- Budapest’s City Park ice rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya) and Strasbourg’s Christmas market ice rink take second and third spot overall
- Lake Weissensee within Austria’s Gailtal Alps mountain range is Europe’s most popular natural ice rink
As the crisp, cold air sweeps across Europe, new research reveals the most popular outdoor ice skating rinks, both natural and artificial, for travellers to enjoy this season.
Europe ferry operator DFDS analysed 75 natural and artificial outdoor ice rinks in Europe and collated the average number of Google searches for each from December to February. This revealed which were most popular to create the rank. From frozen lakes in the heart of a picturesque village to vibrant city centres, these ice-skating spots offer a charming winter experience for all the family.
Europe’s most popular natural ice rinks
| Rank | Ice rink | City | Google search volume (avg. Dec – Feb) |
| 1 | Lake Weissensee | Weissensee | 33,000 |
| 2 | Lake Saint Moritz | St. Moritz | 28,000 |
| 3 | Lake Bled | Bled | 25,000 |
| 4 | Nymphenburg Palace Canal | Munich | 23,000 |
| 5 | Lake Mälaren | Stockholm | 18,500 |
Lake Weissensee – Weissensee, Austria
Known as Europe’s largest natural ice rink, Lake Weissensee transforms into a winter paradise each year. Skaters glide across pristine ice, surrounded by the stunning Austrian Alps. With its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views, this natural wonder draws both casual skaters and professional speed skaters.
Lake Saint Moritz – St. Moritz, Switzerland
The frozen Lake Saint Moritz is an iconic natural rink located in one of Europe’s most glamorous ski resorts. Known for its winter sports events, including polo and cricket on ice, the lake offers a chic setting for ice skating against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, attracting winter enthusiasts and luxury travellers.
Lake Bled – Bled, Slovenia
Famed for its fairytale-like setting, Lake Bled becomes an enchanting natural rink in winter. With the stunning Bled Island and medieval castle overlooking the lake, skating here offers a truly magical experience. Its unique location and picturesque beauty make it a hidden gem for winter travellers seeking a natural skating adventure.
Europe’s most popular outdoor artificial ice rinks
| Rank | Ice rink | City | Google search volume (avg. Dec – Feb) |
| 1 | Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice rink | London | 115,000 |
| 2 | Városligeti Műjégpálya | Budapest | 72,000 |
| 3 | Strasbourg Christmas Market ice rink | Strasbourg | 68,500 |
| 4 | Ice*Amsterdam | Amsterdam | 62,500 |
| 5 | Skate at Somerset House | London | 61,000 |
| 6 | Neptune Fountain Ice Rink | Berlin | 52,000 |
| 7 | Ice Magic | Munich | 51,000 |
| 8 | Vienna Ice World | Vienna | 49,500 |
| 9 | Ice Park | Helsinki | 47,000 |
| 10 | Hampton Court Palace ice rink | London | 45,500 |
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice rink – London
Set around a Victorian bandstand, this iconic rink is the centrepiece of a festive wonderland filled with rides, attractions, and seasonal markets. With twinkling lights and live music adding to the atmosphere, it offers a magical skating experience for both Londoners and visitors from around the world.
Városligeti Műjégpálya – Budapest
Nestled in Budapest’s scenic City Park, Városligeti Műjégpálya is one of Europe’s largest and most stunning outdoor ice rinks. The iconic rink transforms a drained lake into a vast skating space, offering breathtaking views of the historic Vajdahunyad Castle.
Strasbourg Christmas Market – Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas,” hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned Christmas markets in the UNESCO-listed old town, complete with a charming outdoor ice-skating rink. Nestled among festive stalls and illuminated by sparkling lights, the rink offers a quintessential winter experience.
Ice*Amsterdam – Amsterdam
Skating at the foot of the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, this rink brings Dutch tradition to life in a stunning cultural setting, making it a must-visit for winter travellers.
Skate at Somerset House ice rink – London
A timeless London experience, this elegant rink offers skating in a historic courtyard just off The Strand, with the added bonus of live DJ nights.
