Every winter, people wait excitedly to see if they can skate on the natural ice in their country. The weather can be changeable, and you may not know if you will be able to skate, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay away from the ice for a whole year. Here are some great ice skating rinks in the Netherlands!

1) Rainbow Skating Rink in Rotterdam

Let’s open the list with the most fun-Rotterdam’s ice rink features a 400-meter tunnel and a 1600-square-meter rink with rainbow lighting. It’s crazy! The rink is suitable for young and old, beginners and advanced skaters. Next to the rink itself, there is a fun runway. This huge rink is ideal for beginners, school, figure skaters, or even curling.

Would you like to learn to skate? This is also possible. People of all ages and both sexes can sign up for skating lessons. It also hosts regular events such as silent disco skating and themed curling competitions. Afterward, you can go to the covered Winterplein and have a snack or a drink. After all these exercises, you’ll probably be hungry.

2) The Ice Rink at the Maastricht Christmas Market

One of many people’s favorites is the Magical Maastricht Vrijthof, an ice rink and Christmas market in Maastricht. It’s so cozy with twinkling lights, a giant Ferris wheel, warm chalets, and of course, the ice rink which is perfect for a Christmassy atmosphere.

Beginners and experienced skaters alike can do a pirouette here. The rink is often wholly covered so that you can skate even in the rain. You can soak up the Christmas atmosphere at the Christmas market, enjoy some great Christmas shopping, and follow the light path to get to know the city better.

3) Groningen

Groninger Winterfestijn is a real party, and for seven weeks, you can get in the winter mood at Grote Market. Enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine on the heated outdoor terrace or indoor bar. In the evening, you can even dance to classic après-ski tunes. There are also plenty of activities to experience, so keep an eye out for their socials. It doesn’t get more wintery than this!

4) Ice Skating in the Heart of Amsterdam

ICE Amsterdam, located at Museumplein, is essential for the capital’s winter. The skating rink is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit. In addition to gliding, you can also play ice hockey or curling with a group. If you want to dance on the ice, go to the silent disco.

Usually, a must-visit before or after skating is the Ice Village, a very cozy Christmas market at Museumplein. Unfortunately, it was cancelled this year due to countermeasures, but there are plenty of places in Amsterdam where you can warm up with a glass of delicious chocolate milk or by the fireplace.

5) Go Skating at Scheveningen’s Indoor Ice Skating Rink

The Scheveningen’s skating rink is covered, so you can skate in any weather. It is located at the Kurhausplein and is no less than 600m2 in size, enough to skate a few laps here and there. They also organize fun packages for companies and groups that combine lunch, drinks, and dinner. However, there are other great combinations of ice skating and pizza, burgers, movies, or even glow golf. You can integrate your outing to the ice rink with other excellent activities in the neighborhood.

The skating sculptures that can be seen there are also stunning. Two large sea containers are located on Pierplein and Noord Boulevard. This is where the ice sculpture exhibition ‘Let our future grow,’ and ‘Stowaway’ is located. Visiting is free, but donations are always welcome.

What’s your favourite skating destination in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below!