New ice rink opens near the shores of Lake Balaton

Balatonfüred already had reason to be proud of its ice rink, but with these new additions, it can boast even more. The ice rink is undergoing a serious renovation and expansion, meaning that there’s even more chilled fun waiting for visitors and locals alike once the frost sets in. The ice rink is located at the waterfront so guests can not only have plenty of space for skating, but they can also enjoy the fantastic view.

The renewed ice rink of Balatonfüred will stretch on for a kilometer. Skaters can enjoy the beloved Zákony Street, and ice rinks will also be open to visitors on the Tagore promenade and Vitorlás Square. The three rinks will be connected by a new ice corridor that will make the ice rink system stand out in many aspects. The corridor will provide a separate lane for back and forth skating traffic and a terrific view of Lake Balaton.

Changes in the air

András Holczer, deputy major, said to balatonfured.hu that “the city has successfully operated the Zákonyi ice rink for years and we would like to extend the community space it has become. That’s why we’re providing a unique winter experience for the locals and visitors of the city. The new ice rink will be impressive, spectacular, and beloved.”

The new chilled experience with the three combined ice rinks will have around 1600 squaremetres for the skaters to explore. The facilities will include a buffet, warming area, rental tent and secure lockers. The rinks will also be able to host several icy sport, such as ice hockey and curling. Those who are a little bit unstable on their skates have nothing to fear, because there are also animal-shaped skating aids.

Accommodating the rink

Those who don’t skate have nothing to worry about either, the waterfront will still be accessible to those without skates. There will be a special overhead pedestrian bridge, built above the ice corridor so those who don’t wish to be on the ice can still enjoy the view. The Vitorlás Square Park, waterfront, and buildings can still be accessed with a slight detour, the only modifications in traffic will be Zákonyi Street temporarily becoming a dead-end and the relocation of the Vitorlás Square bus stop. Other than that, life goes on as normal in the icy Venice of the Balaton.

Source: FB/Balatonfüredi Jégpálya

There are multiple entrances to the rink system, two of which are located on the ice corridor. Tickets can be bought at the Zákonyi and Vitorlás rinks at a friendly price rate. Locals, children and students can claim discounts, although prices may vary on the weekends. The opening for the Zákonyi rink will be held on the 1st of December and the total of the rink system will be open to guests from the middle of December until the end of January of 2024.

• Read more about winter hikes HERE.
• Read about Budapest’s ice rinks HERE.