ON YOUR SKATES, GET SET, GO! - ICE SKATING FUN IN AND AROUND VILLACH
With snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes, and a romantic atmosphere, winter in Carinthia presents itself as a true fairy tale. Especially for winter sports enthusiasts, the southernmost state of Austria offers a particularly popular activity: ice skating.
In this blog post, ice skating enthusiasts and those who want to become one will learn more about the various locations in and around Villach that will captivate both beginners and advanced skaters alike.
ICE SKATING IN NATURE
A special winter highlight for locals and visitors to the Villach region is ice skating on frozen lakes. When temperatures stay below freezing for an extended period of time, some Carinthian lakes, such as the picturesque Silbersee, the idyllic Aichwaldsee, or the popular Weissensee, are likely to be covered with a thick layer of ice. The Weissensee, about an hour's drive from Villach, is considered the largest constantly freezing natural ice surface in Europe, covering an area of 6.5 km²! The lake is not only a draw for hobby ice skaters but also the venue for the annual "Alternative Dutch 11 Cities Tour," where the world's best marathon speed skaters compete in various speed skating events in January. Visitors aged ten and older pay an entrance fee to use the Weissensee, and those without equipment can rent ice skates from two providers.
Since not all lakes reliably freeze, a club typically manages those suitable for ice skating. Regular monitoring of the ice surfaces by professionals (see video) ensures a unique and, above all, safe ice skating experience. Safety is paramount when ice skating on natural ice! Therefore, before embarking on a skating excursion on any of the Carinthian lakes, it is essential to check the current ice report from the Wörthersee Ice Skating Club or the respective lake and adhere to on-site safety measures! WARNING: Without official clearance, entering natural ice areas poses a life-threatening risk, so ice skating on all lakes is prohibited.
Unfortunately, the time for exploring the snow-covered winter landscape on natural ice is usually very limited. Fortunately, there are numerous alternative ice skating rinks and lanes to visit in and around Villach during winter.
ICE SKATING FUN ON CARINTHIA'S ARTIFICIAL ICE RINKS
Villach
The Villach Stadthalle is reserved for popular public ice skating (called “Publikumslauf”) from the end of September up to twice a week. The schedule depends on the training times of the local ice hockey club EC VSV and various reservations for the ice rink, so the days and times of public ice skating vary. The current times can be found in the operating schedule. In addition, once a month from October to March, the Stadthalle invites visitors to skate to cool DJ music. The ice disco is a special ice skating experience, especially for children and teenagers.
Besides the Stadthalle, in the winter months, you can also ice skate for free under the festively decorated light canopy on the temporary ice rink at Rathausplatz. In the ambiance of the Villach Christmas market, you can enjoy a wintry atmosphere in the heart of Villach. Ice skates are available for rent at both the Stadthalle and Rathausplatz for a fee.
In this winter season, for the first time, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy ice skating at Almgasthaus Rosstratten. As soon as it gets cold enough, guests and their families can experience ice skating fun daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a 250-300 square meter area in the beautiful Dobratsch Nature Park.
Steindorf
In the Ossiacher See Halle, there is a true ice skating paradise for young and old. In addition to classic public ice skating, ice disco, school ice skating, and ice hockey training, figure skating is also offered here! An exact overview of the ice rink's operating schedule can be found here. Ice skates for rent are available on-site.
Velden
At the Velden ice rink, public skating takes place from November to February/March every Monday to Friday from 13:15 to 15:30. The rink is ideal for daily and weather-independent ice skating during the week.
Radenthein
Another ice rink that offers a fun ice skating experience for visitors is the Nockhalle Radenthein. It is usually open from mid-September to mid-March and regularly offers public skating sessions. NOTICE: Currently, the ice rink is unfortunately closed! It is planned to reopen to the public in the winter season 2024/25.
Spittal
About a 40-minute drive from Villach, the Eis-Sport-Arena in Spittal an der Drau serves as a cool (winter) sports center. Regular public ice skating sessions are also offered here, and visitors can rent ice skates and ice skating aids for a fee.
Klagenfurt
In the Kärntner Eissportzentrum Klagenfurt (Carinthian Ice Sports Center Klagenfurt), two ice rinks are available for ice sports enthusiasts and hobby ice skaters. School and public ice skating takes place from October every Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 15:00. Since November, the Ice Sports Center also invites you to the ICE PARTY every Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00 and family ice skating every Sunday from 14:30 to 17:30. A skate rental at the Ice Sports Center also allows you to pick up ice skates outside opening hours by appointment.
Rosental/Ferlach
At the Hockey Training Center (HTC) in Ferlach, hockey enthusiasts can train 365 days a year. The pilot project thus offers a unique offering in Austria. A free public ice skating session is also offered in the hall every morning from late November to early March.
Whether you are a passionate ice skater or a newcomer to the ice, Villach and its surroundings offer a variety of breathtaking lakes and ice skating rinks that provide a safe ice skating pleasure in the cold winter months. Not to be forgotten are the numerous ice hockey clubs and associations that enrich the sport of ice skating in and around Villach, such as the EC VSV Junior Hockey Team, the Villach Lady Hawks, EC Feld am See, or ELV Zauchen.