Ice Skating in Tirol

The Piburgersee is perched high in the forest above the village of Oetz, at the start of the Ötztal Valley. As soon as it is cold enough and the water is frozen solid, the lake is given over to ice skaters keen to explore the two-kilometre-long and eight-metre-wide strip of smooth ice prepared on its surface while enjoying fine views of the 3,007-metre-high Acherkogel mountain in the Stubai Alps. Ice stock sport (a type of Tirolean curling) can be played on the frozen lake. Equipment can be hired on site. Ice skates can also be rented out at the inn next to the lake. There are a number of parking spaces next to the inn, which is just a short walk from the lake.

Measuring 1000 metres in length and 750 metres in width, the Haldensee lake in the idyllic Tannheimer Tal Valley is the only lake in Tirol which can be traversed on cross-country skis. When the ice is at least 20 centimetres thick, a cross-country skiing trail is created on its surface. There is also a winter walking trail on the ice. And, last but certainly not least, there is plenty of space for ice skaters to whizz around.

A swimming paradise in summer, the Tristacher See lake in East Tirol is a winter wonderland during the cold months of the year. Located at the foot of the mighty Lienz Dolomites, above the town of Lienz, it offers 50,000 square metres of skating, including several ice hockey rinks and a large loop around the lake. Ice skates can be hired from the ice skating centre in Lienz (Pustertaler Straße).

The Hechtsee lake is located by the town of Kufstein, close to the German border. Surrounded by trees, this mountain lake that was once, legend has it, home to the mermaid Hechta lebte, is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland when the mercury drops and the first snow falls. Whenever the temperature is cold enough and the ice is thick enough, it is opened up for ice skating. On the shore there is the Restaurant Seearena serving hot food and drink. Car parking is available at the lake, but skaters must bring their own equipment.

Less remote, situated in the winter wonderland of Vorderthiersee, lies the Thiersee lake. Cross-country skiers will be familiar with this lake to the west of Kufstein, which has a network of cross-country skiing trails around the shore. The lake itself is given over in the winter months to ice skaters. The Restaurant Mio Mondo on the edge of the lake is a good place to warm up those cold fingers and toes. Skaters must bring their own equipment. The lake can be easily reached using public transport and by car.

Located above Innsbruck, at the foot of the iconic Patscherkofel mountain, is the village of Lans. Its lake, the Lanser See, freezes over in winter and can be used for ice skating. Skaters must bring their own equipment, but there is a café on the shores of the lake serving hot food such as curry sausage with chips and mugs of steaming punch.

Perched at 1,295 metres above sea level, the Möserer See is a lake with a tiny island in the middle and a large forest all around. It can be found between the iconic Hohe Munde mountain and the craggy peaks of the Karwendel Massif. In winter the lake freezes over and is open at weekends to ice skaters, with an ice hockey rink also available if the ice is thick enough. Access to the lake is free of charge. Donations are welcome. The cosy Möserer Seestub'n next to the lake it a good place to warm up with a hearty meal.

Covering 30,000 square metres, the Reintalersee is the largest of the four natural lakes in the Alpbachtal region. During the winter months it often freezes over, with an expert on hand to inspect the ice thoroughly before the lake is opened for ice skating. The skating area can be accessed between the campsite and the "Kohlerwiese". Ice skating on the Reintalersee lake is free of charge; equipment can be hired from the Sport Ossi sports shop.