The natural ice rinks are only authorised as such once the ice has reached a certain thickness. Please contact the relevant local authority for information and only enter officially authorised ice rinks!
With a tiny island in the middle and dense forest all around, the tranquil Lake Möserer lies at an altitude of 1,295 metres to the east of Telfs. There, nestled between the striking Hohe Munde and the Karwendel Mountains, ice skaters can enjoy a peaceful skate at the weekend. If the ice is thick enough, there’s also a small ice hockey rink. Ice skating is free of charge. Anyone who wishes to can make a donation. On the shore, you’ll also find the Mösern Seestub’n, where hungry visitors can enjoy a bite to eat.
Covering an area of just under 30 hectares, Lake Reintal is the largest of the many natural lakes in the Alpbachtal region. When winter temperatures prevail and the ice is thick enough – which is checked and approved by a structural engineer – nothing stands in the way of a spot of ice skating. Access to the lake is between the campsite and the Kohlerwiese. Ice skating on Lake Reintalersee is free of charge.
Nestled in the heart of an unspoilt forest high above Oetz lies the landmark of the upper Ötztal valley, Piburger See. As soon as it is cold enough and the water has frozen to a minimum depth, ice skaters can enjoy themselves on a two-kilometre-distance and eight-metre-wide ice rink. As you cross the lake, you can even see the 3,007-metre-high Acherkogel in the Stubai Alps. Anyone who’d rather have a go at curling can hire the equipment on site. Ice skates are also available for hire at the inn right by Piburger See. There are also a few parking spaces available there.
Even the only natural swimming lake in Osttirol turns into a huge playground for ice skaters during the cold season, set amidst an impressive mountain backdrop. Lake Tristach, at the foot of the Lienzer Dolomiten, above Lienz, offers a 50,000-square-metre ice surface, large enough to accommodate several ice hockey rinks and a circular ice-skating track. Should the ice surface prove insufficient, there are plenty of other ice-skating rinks in the surrounding area.
Less remote, but situated right in the heart of the small village of Vorderthiersee – which has a particularly dreamy and idyllic atmosphere in winter – lies Lake Thiersee. Cross Country Skiers can circle this beautiful natural lake to the west of Kufstein, whilst its surface is reserved for ice-skating enthusiasts. Anyone wishing to warm up during a break from ice skating can visit the Mio Mondo restaurant. There is no skate hire available, but the lake is Easy to reach by public transport and by car.
The Klaus Äuele natural ice rink in the Stubaital Valley is particularly family friendly and offers a natural ice surface for ice skating and curling. For those without their own equipment, there is an on-site ice skate hire service. The surrounding area also features Winter Walking Trails and cross-country ski trails, offering a variety of activities. The rink is perfect for families who want to enjoy the winter mountain scenery together whilst staying active.
