Outdoor Ice Skating at Zürich Christmas Markets: Wienachtsdorf

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Skating at Sechseläutenplatz offers amazing views of the lake and the nearby historic stone buildings. The rink is usually open from late November until the end of December in 2026. Please check the Zürich Christmas markets 2026 guide for specific opening dates and daily times. Admission for adults costs around 9 CHF per session during the quiet week days.

After your skating session, you can warm up with a mug of hot mulled wine. The food stalls nearby serve delicious Swiss raclette and freshly roasted chestnuts for every guest. This market is very crowded on weekends so try visiting on a quiet Tuesday evening. The festive music creates a wonderful backdrop for your holiday photos and social media posts.

Live on Ice at the National Museum

The Landesmuseum courtyard hosts the stunning Live on Ice event every single winter season. You can experience outdoor ice skating at Zürich Christmas markets while visiting this historic museum. This rink is famous for its incredible light projections shown on the old museum walls. You will feel like you are skating inside a giant glowing snow globe each night.

The National Museum is located right next to the main train station for easy access. This makes it very easy to reach for travelers arriving by the local rail network. The rink usually opens in mid-November and stays open until early January in 2026. It is one of the best ice skating rinks in Zürich for magical evening sessions.

Entrance to the museum courtyard is free but you must pay for your skating session. Renting a pair of skates costs about 10 CHF for a couple of hours. The lighting ceremony happens every evening as the sun starts to set over the city. Make sure to bring warm gloves and a thick scarf for the cold breeze.

Large Rinks at Dolder Ice Complex

The Dolder Ice Complex is one of the largest open-air rinks found in all Europe. It sits high on a hill overlooking the beautiful city and the large blue lake. You can take the Dolderbahn cogwheel train to reach this very scenic and quiet location. The ride up the mountain provides spectacular views of the dense green Swiss forest.

This rink is a favorite for those who want more space to skate around freely. It features a massive 6,000 square meter ice surface for all different skill levels. You can find detailed Dolder ice complex Zürich opening hours and prices online before you visit. It is a great alternative to the smaller and busier Christmas market rinks.

The complex also includes a large Christmas tree placed right in the middle of the ice. You can enjoy hot snacks at the heated restaurant located next to the skating area. They serve traditional Swiss dishes like fondue to keep you warm throughout the day. It is an ideal spot for a full afternoon of winter fun and exercise.

Expert Tips for Skating in Zürich

Planning your visit requires some basic knowledge about the local customs and current rental prices. Most rinks offer skate rentals so you do not need to bring your own equipment. You can find out where to rent ice skates in Zürich city center with our helpful guide. Most places accept credit cards but carrying some cash is always helpful for snacks.

The best time to skate is during the early afternoon on the quiet week days. Crowds are much smaller before the local office workers finish their daily busy shifts now. Evening sessions are more romantic but they can get very busy and quite loud. Always check the weather forecast as heavy rain might close some outdoor ice rinks.

Safety is very important when you are skating on a crowded public ice rink. Always skate in the same direction as the rest of the moving crowd. Keep your children close to you to avoid any accidental bumps or painful falls. You can check the official Zürich Tourism website for more seasonal event updates today.