❄️ Ice Skating in Zurich: The Ultimate Winter Guide (2025 Edition)
- Vivian Yu
- Nov 30
- 4 min read
❄️Where to Skate, How to Meet People & Why Every Newcomer Should Try It
Winter in Zürich transforms the whole city into a magical postcard — twinkling lights, steaming fondue pots, Christmas markets at every corner, and of course, ice skating rinks that pop up all over the city. Whether you’re a newcomer, an expat trying to make friends, or a local woman looking for new winter activities, ice skating in Zürich is one of the easiest ways to meet people, socialize, and enjoy the season.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Zürich this winter, this guide covers everything — the best rinks, beginner tips, must-see events, and how to find female friends to skate with.
❄️ Why Ice Skating in Zurich Is a Must-Do Winter Activity
Zürich takes winter seriously. From Christmas markets to fondue chalets, this city knows how to create a cozy holiday atmosphere — and skating fits perfectly into that vibe.
Here’s why it’s so popular:
1. It’s social — super easy to meet people
Skating rinks in Zürich attract everyone: students, families, expats, tourists, and locals. If you’re new in Zürich and trying to make friends, ice skating is a low-pressure, fun way to connect.
2. It’s affordable (or even free!)
Many rinks offer cheap entry, and some neighbourhood rinks offer free skating if you bring your own skates.
3. It fits the winter aesthetic perfectly
Snow (if we’re lucky), fairy lights, mulled wine, and winter music — nothing beats the vibe of skating in Zürich during Christmas.
⛸️ Top Ice Skating Rinks in Zürich (2025 Guide)
Below are the best ice skating spots in Zürich for this winter — including newcomers-friendly rinks, places with great Christmas vibes, and the most social meetups.
1. Dolder Kunsteisbahn — The Most Iconic Ice Rink in Zürich
The Dolder rink is legendary. It’s huge, beautifully located in the forest area above Zürich, and feels straight out of a movie.
Why go?
Biggest open-air rink in Switzerland
Magical fairy lights at night
Perfect for groups
Rent skates easily
Cozy nearby cafés
Best for:
social meetups, newcomer events, and weekend skating trips.
2. Wienachtsdorf Ice Rink (Sechseläutenplatz)
The Christmas Market Ice Rink Everyone Loves
During December, Sechseläutenplatz transforms into the famous Wienachtsdorf Christmas Market — complete with a charming skating area.
Why it’s amazing:
Right next to Opera House
Surrounded by Christmas market stalls
Perfect winter Instagram vibes
Ideal for expats meeting new friends
Tip: Grab Glühwein after skating — great for making conversations flow.
Dates: Nov. 23 – Dec. 23
Cost: Adults CHF 6, Children CHF 4, Skates for rent
Location: Zürcher Wienachtsdorf, Weihnachtsmarkt, Sechseläutenplatz, 8001 Zürich
3. Ice Magic at Europaallee — Best for Expats & Young Professionals
This trendy spot next to Zürich HB attracts students, internationals, and young professionals.
If you’re trying to find friends in Zürich, this is the rink with the chillest vibe.
Why people love it:
Super central
Lively atmosphere
Modern lights + DJ nights
Surrounded by cafés
4. Heuried Ice Rink — Great for Beginners
Heuried Sportzentrum has a rink that’s perfect if you’re new to skating or nervous about falling in front of a crowd.
Why it’s great:
Flat, comfortable ice
Non-intimidating environment
Indoor + outdoor options
Family-friendly (but still social!)
5. Oerlikon (Hallenstadion area)
Oerlikon has a strong community vibe and is usually less crowded.
Ideal for relaxed skating and meeting new people who live in Zürich North.
☃️ Bonus: Outdoor Natural Ice (When It Snows!)
If temperatures drop low enough, Zürich’s lakeside and Limmat areas sometimes create public ice spots — but this only happens during extremely cold winters and is announced by the Stadt Zürich.
(If that happens, it becomes a HUGE social event — everyone goes!)
🔵 Tips for Newcomers & Expats Skating in Zürich
1. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner — most people are!
Skating in Zürich is more about the vibe, not performance. You will not be alone if you can barely stand.
2. Go to a meetup — it makes the experience 10x better
Many people go alone, especially expats.
Skating meetups are one of the quickest ways to find female friends in Zürich who share your vibe.
3. Wear gloves — trust me
You might fall. Zürich ice is unforgiving. Gloves save your hands (and look cute).
4. After-skating activities = best bonding moments
Grab:
Glühwein
Hot chocolate
Fondue
Churros
Holiday season = instant small-talk starter.
🧤 What to Wear for Ice Skating in Zürich
Warm leggings or jeans
Layered top + waterproof jacket
Scarf + gloves
Thick socks
Hair tied back
Optional: small backpack for your things
If you want winter photos, go before 5 PM for the best natural light.
🎉 Ice Skating Meetups in Zurich for Women (2025)
If you’re trying to:
✔ make friends in Zurich
✔fiend the best ice skating spots in Zurich
✔ join social meetups
✔ find female friends
✔ meet other newcomers or expats
✔ do fun things during Christmas in Zürich
Then skating meetups are perfect.
Most attendees come solo — and leave with new connections.
