For years you have been able to skate on the classic outdoor rinks near the Inner Harbour and Frederiksberg. This winter, however, these two locations got a lot of new competition. At least four new locations popped up across the city. For starters, the famous circular ice rink at Kongens Nytorv is back after a 16-year absence. Furthermore, it is now possible to skate in Reffen which normally only opens in summer. And if you are in for something truly special, you can even show your skating skills in the hippie village of Christiania.
Each rink has its own charm and attracts a specific kind of customer. Some rinks focus mainly on young people, while others are more family-oriented. Some are free when you bring your own skates, others demand a fee before entering the ice.
What all rinks have in common is that gløgg, fireplaces and aebleskiver are seldom far away and you can usually rent skates. For less experienced skaters, plastic gliders or chairs are available to help you keep your balance.
Here is an overview of the most important ice rinks in Copenhagen:
Broens Ice Rink
This ice rink has been around for a while and attracts a young and enthusiastic crowd, although you'll also see plenty of parents with children during the day. The rink is not very big and is surrounded by Borens Gadekøkken’s food stalls and a few cafes. There is also a disco on ice event every Friday and Saturday night.
Kongens Nytorv
https://copenhagenwonderland.com/
Who wouldn't want to skate on one of the city's most famous squares? Take a spin around the statue of Christiaan V while taking in the magnificent buildings around you. These include the festively decorated Hotel d'Angleterre, the Royal Theatre and the beautifully decorated Magasin shopping centre, with the outline of picturesque Nyhavn just visible through the lime trees.
Skøjteøen
For the first time ever, the large open-air restaurant Reffen, opposite the Little Mermaid, is open in winter and has been renamed Skøjteøen for the occasion. There are two skating rinks – one for adults and one for children. While you enjoy the delicious aromas from the food stalls, you can also take in the view over Copenhagen harbour. Don't forget to visit Copenhagen Contemporary, the city's amazing museum of modern art. It's just a stone's throw away from the ice rink.
Enghaveparken
https://www.facebook.com/Skoejtebanen/
The famous Enghavepark in the Vesterbro district was completely climate-proofed a few years ago, and is thus also featured in our Architecture and Sustainability Tour. It can store millions of litres of rainwater. But in winter you can also skate there under the felled trees. If you're lucky, you might catch a concert on the famous open-air stage built by Arne Jacobsen. If you get thirsty, there is a temporary indoor café. If you want to dine out, the cosy Enghave Plads is within walking distance and has a number of fine cafés and restaurants.
Pusher Street on Ice
Last April, Christiania's notorious Pusher Street was cleared of hash dealers, and residents immediately removed the cobblestones to prevent the crime from returning. But since then, the famous street has led a somewhat moribund existence. So the people of Christiana decided to build a skating rink. The rink is 120 metres long and decorated with works by street art specialist Rasmus Balstrøm.
Frederiksberg Skating Rink
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/ice-rink-frederiksberg-runddel-gdk707324
The small ice rink at Frederiksberg Runddel is a winter classic. You'll find it at the intersection of Frederiksberg Allé and Frederiksberg Garden. Surrounded by yellow walls and the buildings Laurierhuset on the left and Pendant House on the right, you can skate with a view of the statue of King Frederik VI standing proudly behind the gate. Hot chocolate and other drinks are available at the small kiosk in the gate.
If you are planning a visit to Tivoli park, you will also find an ice rink there. But it requires the usual entrance fee plus additional costs for renting skates.
How all these new skating rings relate to the sustainable ambitions of Copenhagen is not really sure. The Danish capital aims to be running on 70% renewable energy by 2030 and keeping an ice rink up and running during climate change might not fit in those ambitions. But it sure is fun.