In the middle of the unspoilt forest high above Oetz lies the landmark of the front Ötztal, Lake Piburger See. As soon as it is cold enough and the water is frozen to a minimum height, ice skaters can romp around on a two kilometre long 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. If you prefer to try your hand at curling, you can hire the equipment on site. Ice skates are also available for hire at the inn directly on Lake Piburger See. There are also a few car parking spaces available.
The only natural swimming lake in East Tyrol also becomes a huge playground for skaters in the cold season, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. Lake Tristach at the foot of the Lienz Dolomites, above Lienz, offers a 50,000 square metre ice rink with space for several ice hockey rinks and an ice skating rink. Ice skates can be hired at the artificial ice rink in Pustertaler Straße in Lienz.
The Hechtsee lake is located near Kufstein on the border with Germany. Surrounded by trees, the mountain lake, where, according to legend, the mermaid Hechta once lived, becomes a particularly beautiful winter wonderland when it is snowy and cold. If the temperatures and ice thickness are right, ice skaters can also skate their laps there. They can warm up their cold hands and noses in the Seearena restaurant. There is a car park directly on site, but you will need to bring your own skates.
Less remote, but in the centre of the small village of Vorderthiersee, which is particularly dreamy and idyllic in winter, lies Lake Thiersee. Cross-country skiers can circle the beautiful natural lake to the west of Kufstein, while its surface belongs to ice skating fans. If you want to warm up during a break from skating, you can visit the Mio Mondo restaurant. There is no skate hire, but the lake is easily accessible by public transport and car.
The idyllic holiday village of Lans on Lake Lans is located above Innsbruck and below the Patscherkofel mountain. If you want to glide across the ice of the natural lake in the cold winter, you need to bring your own ice skates, but there is plenty of refreshments right on the shore of the lake. The kiosk offers currywurst with chips and punch.
A mini-island in the middle and dense forest all around: the tranquil Möserer See lies at 1,295 metres east of Telfs. There, between the striking Hohe Munde and the Karwendel mountains, ice skaters can enjoy a leisurely lap at the weekend. If the ice is thick enough, there is also a small hockey pitch. Ice skating costs nothing. Anyone who wants to can make a donation. The Möserer Seestub'n is also located on the shore, where hungry people can fortify themselves.
With an area of almost 30 hectares, the Reintalersee is the largest of the many natural lakes in the Alpbachtal region. In winter temperatures and with an appropriate ice thickness - which is checked and approved by a structural engineer - nothing stands in the way of ice skating fun. Access to the lake is between the campsite and the Kohlerwiese. Ice skating on the Reintalersee is free of charge and skates can be hired from Sport Ossi.
The Klaus Äuele natural ice rink in the Stubai Valley is particularly family-friendly and offers a natural ice surface for ice skating and curling. For those without their own equipment, there is a skate hire service on site. There are also winter hiking trails and cross-country ski trails in the surrounding area, providing a variety of activities. The site is perfect for families who want to enjoy the winter mountain world together and be active at the same time.
There are numerous places in Tyrol where you can go ice skating in winter, both on natural lakes and on artificial ice rinks. Lake Piburger See in Ötztal and Lake Tristacher See in East Tyrol are well-known natural lakes that become ideal ice rinks in cold weather. You can also ice skate on Lake Möserer See or Lake Thiersee and Hechtsee near Kufstein in winter in Tyrol. There are well-prepared ice rinks in towns such as Innsbruck, Schwaz and Reutte. The Klaus Äuele natural ice rink in the Stubai Valley also offers a great alternative for ice skating fans.
Ice skating on natural lakes in Tyrol is special because it takes place in the midst of the breathtaking Alpine landscape. The crystal-clear lakes offer a unique atmosphere characterised by the tranquillity and vastness of nature. The direct contact with nature and the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains make the experience unforgettable. If the ice cover is thick enough after long periods of frost, some Tyrolean lakes are transformed into unique playgrounds for children and adults alike. The wind blows around your ears as you take a leisurely spin on the lake and your feet glide swiftly over the ice while your gaze wanders over romantic snow-covered peaks and forests. In the middle of the lake, it feels as if you could travel endlessly in the open air. But more sporty activities are also possible on many Tyrolean natural lakes. Many locals and guests particularly enjoy curling and ice stock sport. If the lake is large enough, there is sometimes even a dedicated area for a game of ice hockey, and in some places you can even hire the equipment. If it finally gets a little too cold, all eight natural ice rinks offer the opportunity to fortify yourself with warm drinks and food.
When ice skating on natural lakes in Tyrol, a few safety precautions must be observed. Make sure that the ice is sufficiently thick and stable. Find out in advance about the condition of the ice and the state of the lake. Pay attention to local signs and avoid ice that is too thin.
Yes, in Tyrol there are not only artificial ice rinks in cities such as Innsbruck, Lienz, Reutte and Kitzbühel, but also in many villages in the valleys. These ice rinks offer stable ice surfaces for anyone who wants to actively enjoy the winter and are popular alternatives to natural lakes. They are often also suitable for families and beginners and offer additional activities such as curling or ice hockey rinks. This makes ice skating in Tyrol a wonderful winter experience, whether in the towns or in the picturesque valleys.
