Stunning free ice rinks beckon across Hungary – photos
Budapest, the Lake Balaton area, and countless charming towns nationwide are rolling out the red carpet with magical ice rinks – and many of them are completely free! Pénzcentrum and Hellóvidék have rounded up the best spots for you. We have even captured fantastic photos of each location, complete with all the key details you need to get skating.
The most stunning free ice rinks in Budapest
Budapest’s Top 5+1 Ice Rinks, handpicked by Hellóvidék’s experts, , include spectacular locations offering jaw-dropping views of the Danube, Gellért Hill, Castle Hill, and the Buda side as you glide across the ice.
- Óbuda – Main Square: Thanks to the District III council, this gem is set against the baroque atmosphere of the cobbled Main Square. Skate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with skate rental and sharpening available on site. A family-friendly Christmas market adds to the charm nearby and is rarely overcrowded.
- Bálna Terrace: A riverside stunner with panoramic views of Buda, this rink is a top pick for tourists right in the city centre – and it is free. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Great Market Hall, it is confirmed to remain open until late February. Forgot your skates? Rentals are available for 600 HUF per hour.
- Bosnyák Square – Páduai Szent Antal Church, Zugló: Want to avoid the pricey City Park rink while staying local? This is the perfect choice. There is just one catch: on weekdays, the rink is reserved for schoolchildren until 3 p.m. The bonus? Skate rental is free as well.
- Újpest St Stephen’s Square: Families are welcome until 29 January, although gloves are compulsory. Children can also enjoy the enchanting Meseváros (City of Tales) playground in the church garden.
- St Stephen’s Basilica: Next to the Advent Basilica – often voted Europe’s best Christmas market – a sparkling 200 m² ice rink awaits visitors. Please note that free skating is available only for children up to the age of 14. Young skaters can also enjoy free skating lessons at weekends until 2 January.
The best free ice rinks outside Budapest
Hellóvidék has uncovered plenty of delightful rural options as well. First up is Zamárdi’s Balaton party rink by Lake Balaton, opening on 20 December and remaining free until 21 February. At the other end of the lake, Keszthely offers free skating daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until 8 February..
In the spa town of Hajdúszoboszló, skating is free until 1 February – all day at weekends and in the afternoons on weekdays. Orosháza features a 210 m² rink as part of its Christmas market, free until 5 January; however, visitors should note that it is made of special synthetic ice rather than real ice.
Read also:
- Skate in the sky: Budapest’s first double-decker ice rink opened! – photos
- Europe’s most beautiful ice rink is waiting for you to skate on in this Hungarian city – photos
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