Parks, squares between historic houses and, above all, the Carinthian lakes are transformed into ice skating rinks, curling rinks and ice hockey rinks in winter, where exciting matches are played.
Ice skating on a lake and in the open air: it's hard to imagine Carinthia without this winter experience. Many people associate ice skating in Carinthia with ice skating on Lake Weissensee. The spectacular natural ice rinks can be reached in around 40 minutes by car from Spittal. In addition to the largest natural ice rink in Europe, there are also numerous other lakes that invite you to go ice skating - some of them are real insider tips.
When the temperatures drop and a stable layer of natural ice has formed, the following lakes in Carinthia are also open for ice skating:
After long frosty nights, the lake Brennsee in the family and sports village of Feld am See and the nearby lake Afritzersee are transformed into huge ice rinks. Ice skating on there is free of charge.
The current ice report from lake Brennsee can be obtained by calling +43 4246 2273.
Around ten kilometers of road across Feldkirchen lie between Lake Maltschach and Lake Flatschach. In cold winters, both become open-air ice rinks where ice skaters, ice hockey players and curling enthusiasts meet. Winter fun on the ice rinks is free of charge.
Lake Turrachersee lies at 1,763 meters above sea level. A layer of ice up to one meter thick covers the surface for almost six months of the year, making it easy to cross the lake. A special lake cab is set up for skiers and cross-country skiers. Part of the lake is reserved for ice skating and curling. Thanks to good lighting, sports enthusiasts can enjoy their laps on the ice until late in the evening.
The ice rink in Bad Kleinkirchheim in the Park opposite the St. Kathrein Family & Health Spa and the ice rink at the sports arena (free, no rental) invite you to go ice skating, depending on the weather. Central and in an atmospheric setting.
Prices (adults & children) Ice rink Kurpark & rental: € 6.50 (with the Bad Kleinkirchheim Sonnenschein Card € 4.50). Ice skates can be rented at the artificial ice rink in the Kurpark. Price: € 6.00 per day and pair.
Many green meadows are transformed into cool ice rinks in winter. Both in the Nockberge mountains and on Lake Millstätter See there are opportunities to try your hand at ice skating. The longest ice season is probably at the Spittal ice rink. Ice skaters do their laps here from the end of October to March.
The Carinthian national curling association has over 11,000 members. An even larger number of Carinthians play curling without a passport. In the past, the ice stick was made from a turned piece of wood with a handle that was edged with an iron ring. Today, they are modern sports equipment that can be bought in countless designs. The cradle of many ice stocks is in Feldkirchen.