Ice skating between Vienna Town Hall and the Burgtheater

It’s that time of year again: on 18 January 2019, the Wiener Eistraum 2019 opened its doors on Vienna’s Rathausplatz. It’s been possible to skate on what is known as the “little Eistraum“ since the opening of the Christmas markets, but it doesn’t compare with its “big brother”, on which the organizers have been working intensively for three weeks now. Skating on the rink and on the routes through the park is a fantastic experience. The beautiful Vienna Town Hall marks the border on one side and the Burgtheater is situated on the other, while trams trundle past in close proximity to the ice rink every few minutes. The organizers have once again come up with something new for 2019: the Eistraum lifts off!

Equipment available for hire on site at the Wiener Eistraum 2019

Wiener Eistraum 2019 (c)stadtwienmarketing

Needless to say, you won’t have packed your skates for your trip to Vienna. However, that’s no problem at all, since all the preparation required from visitors is lots of enthusiasm: the rest has already been taken care off.

There are 2000 pairs of skates available for hire. They are very comfortable and heated with warm air before you skate. Gentlemen’s skates are available up to European size 52, while ladies are available up to size 44 and children’s up to size 23. Furthermore, double-bladed skates and helmets can also be borrowed free of charge for children so that nothing untoward can happen as they take their first steps on the ice. (Rental costs for skates: €7.50 per person, €4.50 per child)

In addition, it’s also a good idea to hire a locker in which you can store your bags and shoes. (€3 per locker)

If you book your entrance ticket (€8 per adult) online in advance, you will receive a 10% discount and will also save yourself the wait in the line at the cash desk. When booking online, you will be given a code which you can enter into one of the ticket machines on site in exchange for your ticket.

The Wiener Eistraum is open for you now.

‘Sky Rink’, the new highlight at the Wiener Eistraum

There are now four large ice rinks provided for your enjoyment which are connected by the “dream paths” that weave their way through the Town Hall Park. For safety reasons, the paths are one-way only, connected by roundabouts which are well safeguarded so that everything runs smoothly even during peak times. It’s really fun to explore the labyrinth of ice, as you will discover.

The highlight of 2019 is a specially built construction called the Sky Rink. This leads from the “ground level” route to the “first floor”, and offers a new view across the surroundings as well as significantly more space for skating as a result. Due to the natural incline at Vienna’s Rathausplatz and a 120-meter-long ramp up to the terrace, the Sky Rink can be easily reached by all skaters. Surprise yourself.

Further entertainment: Bavarian curling at the Wiener Eistraum

If you’ve still got the energy afterwards, how about a game of Bavarian curling? Eight alleys are available from 17:00 onwards and each one can hold up to ten people. The alleys are very popular, meaning that an advance reservation is absolutely necessary. (€70 per half hour, including a brief training session and clarification of the laws of the game)

The Wiener Eistraum webcam

If you’d like to take a look at the Rathausplatz in advance, you can use the webcam here.

And I’d almost forgotten to mention that plenty of eating options have been put in place for your comfort, of course. There are various outdoor stalls and three alpine huts where you are invited to take a break, gather your strength and warm yourself up.

The Wiener Eistraum will remain open until 3 March 2019 from 10:00 to 22:00 daily. You are best able to get there from the Schick Hotels on foot or by tram.

main picture: copyright stadtmarketing