Budapest’s magical City Park Ice Rink returns — Here’s when you can skate by a castle again!
One of Budapest’s most beloved winter attractions, the City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya), is set to return for the 2025/2026 season, which means you can soon skate by the magnificent Vajdahunyad Castle!
Weather permitting, the ice rink opens next week!
If all goes according to plan, the historic rink will open its gates during the week of 24 November, allowing visitors to enjoy one of the capital’s most iconic winter experiences. The exact opening date will be announced shortly, but operators say preparations are well underway for a timely start.
Located on the lake in City Park, the rink is famous not only for its impressive size but also for its enchanting atmosphere. With the picturesque Vajdahunyad Castle as a backdrop, the ice rink has long been a favourite among locals and tourists alike. This year, the venue welcomes skaters with several improvements, including refurbished walkways, updated changing rooms and enhanced service areas.
Visitors will still be able to take advantage of popular services such as skate hire, skate sharpening and a heated indoor rest area – an essential comfort on colder days. The City Park Ice Rink offers an ideal outing for all ages, whether for families, beginners taking their first steps on the ice, seasoned skaters or couples looking for a charming winter date.
What admission fees to expect?
While the official price list for the 2025/26 season has not yet been released, last year’s prices offer a helpful reference. During the previous season, standard admission cost HUF 3,500 for adults and HUF 2,500 for students and pensioners.
Families could opt for discounted group tickets: HUF 7,500 for three people, HUF 9,500 for four and HUF 11,500 for five. Prices were slightly higher during peak periods – typically at weekends – with adult tickets priced at HUF 4,500 and student/pensioner tickets at HUF 3,500.
Regular visitors could also purchase season passes. A ten-entry student pass cost HUF 22,500, while the adult equivalent was priced at HUF 31,500. Pensioners were able to buy a full-season pass for HUF 12,000. Group tickets, skating lessons and various rental options – including skates, helmets and the popular “seal” skating aid – also remained in high demand.
Beautiful Csepel Ice Park to open as well
Beyond City Park, another beloved Budapest ice rink is also preparing to welcome visitors. The Csepel Ice Park (Csepeli Jégpark) will open for the season on Friday, 21 November at 5 PM, bringing an expanded layout and several new attractions to Szent Imre Square, just steps from the HÉV station, Pénzcentrum reports. This year, the rink has been built on a larger area and now features an elevated skating track along with a brand-new illuminated “light tunnel,” creating a festive winter atmosphere.
The opening event will include a performance by Team Passion, Hungary’s adult national synchronised skating team. As for prices, entry is free for children under three. For everyone else, the standard admission fee is HUF 2,500, while Csepel residents benefit from a reduced price of HUF 1,500 with a local address card. The ice park will remain open throughout the winter season, and organisers say the expanded rink and glowing light tunnel promise a memorable experience for both locals and tourists looking to explore Budapest’s seasonal attractions.
